British Journal of Music Therapy

This is an exploratory, qualitative, interview-based study investigating the subjective clinical experiences of Nordoff-Robbins music therapists with regards to the following questions: ‘To what degree can aspects of “disfluency” be considered sources of creativity within the Nordoff-Robbins approach to music therapy?’ and ‘How can music therapists articulate these aspects of their practice, to contribute to shifting discourses around “fluency”?’. I draw on the work of Claypole who advocates for ‘disfluency’ to be deemed a source of creativity. I suggest that the concept of ‘fluency’ is useful for music therapists, encouraging consideration of how the people we work with experience themselves in time. I posit that a central goal of music therapy is to bring ‘flow’, and that there is perhaps a tension between this and valuing someone’s experience of disfluency. The interviews reveal that, perhaps uniquely among therapeutic interventions, Nordoff-Robbins music therapists can simultaneously value a person’s disfluency, while offering an experience of fluency in the music. I conclude by drawing on the interviews to recast the binary of fluency versus disfluency and explore language that embraces the diversity of ways in which people ‘flow’.

Batten disease is a rare neurodegenerative condition affecting approximately 150–200 children and young people in the United Kingdom. It leads to progressive loss of skills, with most individuals not surviving beyond adolescence. While current research primarily focuses on clinical trials for gene and enzyme replacement therapies, there remains an urgent need for therapeutic and educational strategies that support affected children and their families in the present. Music has been identified as a meaningful support mechanism for individuals with Batten disease, yet empirical research in this area is limited. Drawing on developments in neuroscience and music therapy, this study explores how music supports children with Batten disease through semi-structured interviews with parents and carers. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: music and well-being; music’s role in supporting functional skills; and the use of music in care settings. Findings highlight music’s emotional, communicative, and functional value, providing insights for educators and healthcare professionals. This research contributes to the growing evidence base for music-based interventions for rare neurodegenerative conditions.

This article explores the work of an anti-racist book group, whose genesis stems from the 2021 British Association of Music Therapy Race Awareness Panel. The group, initially formed by white music therapists grappling with white supremacy, expanded to include Black and Brown activists, including other arts therapies. They utilised the art technique of the cadavre exquis (exquisite corpse) to examine racial tensions and belonging. Inspired by Layla F. Saad’s work in challenging understandings of whiteness, this article employs the cadavre exquis to express both differences and shared experiences, demonstrating that belonging is cultivated, not assumed. This Surrealist technique involving collaborative, unseen artistic contributions reflects the group’s process. Participants contribute written pieces and musical offerings in response to a central theme (Examining emergent cultural content from within and without: What’s in the room and where do I belong?), highlighting the impact of events like the murder of George Floyd and the pervasive nature of systemic racism from the viewpoints of Brown, Black, and white bodies. This collaborative approach seeks to create a space for open, honest, and sometimes painful dialogue, aiming to deepen understanding, foster connections, and promote action against racial injustice.

Music therapy is emerging as an inexpensive, non-pharmacological alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Several studies have identified the potential of music therapy to improve cognitive functions in patients at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression. However, existing reviews do not specifically evaluate the many music therapy techniques available from the perspective of a professional musician. Methods of music therapy vary in music choices, familiarity and level of participation. As such, this review aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of music therapy on cognitive function and any parameters that maximise efficacy. A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines with studies published between 2010 and 2025 across nine databases. Thirty-four major studies examined the effects of music therapy on cognition in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Across the literature, music therapy significantly improved cognition, attention and executive function, self-awareness and perception, and short-term, working, verbal and motor memory. Thus, recent literature demonstrates beneficial impacts of music therapy on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease. Active music therapy techniques were the most effective, involving singing and rhythm exercises, and familiar and preferred music. Ultimately, music therapy is recommended as an early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment to prevent further cognitive decline.

This perspective examines the post-study employment experiences of international music therapy graduates in the UK within the context of the Graduate Visa Scheme and the implications that this has on international music therapy students and migrants. It outlines enrolment figures of international students in UK Music Therapy programmes since the introduction of the scheme. While the scheme enables extended residency for work and job seeking, graduates may face a range of barriers, including limited employer awareness, visa-related challenges and gaps in inclusive recruitment practices. Drawing on information from policy organisations, higher education institutions and professional bodies, the perspective presents the structural and informational obstacles that can affect graduate outcomes. The perspective identifies potential areas for improvement in institutional and organisational approaches to recruitment, support and policy development concerning international graduates. It also introduces the Music Therapy International Students & Migrants (MT IS&M) Network, established to provide mentorship, resources and community support tailored to international music therapy professionals and students. The network’s activities aim to address professional development needs and contribute to equity, diversity and inclusion within the field of music therapy in the UK.

Sustainable behaviours, in particular environmental sustainability, are a key theme across the healthcare landscape and are increasingly discussed in the field of music therapy. This article is a position piece exploring different perspectives in the area, aiming to raise the profile of the topic for Music Therapists. Three areas of sustainable behaviour are used as a framework for the article, first through the presentation of a literature review and then examples of music therapy practice. The three areas are: work with people with climate anxiety (care for others), reflective practice and sustainable careers (self-care), and prevention in work with service users and the practicalities of environmental sustainability (caring for the environment).