The Music Therapy Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £62,671 (as of 30 June 2025)
• Annual Expenditure: £86,093
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified - twice yearly calls for proposals
• Grant Range: £3,000 - £17,000 (depending on grant type)
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
• Total Investment: Over £1 million in research and training over past decade
• Projects Funded: 491 research projects in past 10 years

Contact Details

Address: 4 Bakers Field, Dry Drayton, Cambridge, CB23 8EG, UK

Registered Address: 26 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6BT, UK

Phone: 01954 780409

Email: info@musictherapy.org.uk

Website: www.musictherapy.org.uk

Charity Number: 259077

Company Number: 00955930

For grant application inquiries, contact Professor Ian Cross, Chair, Research Committee, via info@musictherapy.org.uk.

Overview

The Music Therapy Charity was registered on 28 August 1969 and is the UK's dedicated charity supporting music therapy research and training. Operating as a charitable company, the organization has invested over £1 million in high-quality research and training to support the growth and reputation of the music therapy profession. With an annual income of approximately £63,000, the charity receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations. Over the past decade, they have funded 491 high-quality research projects covering diverse topics from youth at risk to dementia, supported 58 trainee music therapists in 2024, and funded at least 10 doctoral research projects. The charity's work is crucial in advancing music therapy as an evidence-based treatment option accessible to all who could benefit from it.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small/Medium Research Grants

• Amount: Up to £3,000
• Description: Grants for smaller research projects or partial funding of larger projects
• Application Method: Twice yearly calls for proposals (most recent deadline 31 January)
• Eligible Costs: Part-time salary for fixed periods, academic or clinical supervision, data collection and analysis
• Co-funding: Applications welcome for partial funding from projects with other funding sources

Large Scoping Projects

• Amount: Up to £17,000
• Description: Funding for scoping projects likely to result in large-scale consortial bids to national or international research bodies
• Requirements: Must involve at least two Higher Education institutions (lead institution UK-based), may involve music therapy organizations
• Purpose: To identify research focus in underdeveloped aspects of music therapy and develop collaborative research proposals

MA Music Therapy Bursaries

• Amount: Up to £4,000 available per training course each year
• Description: Financial assistance for trainee music therapists enrolled in MA Music Therapy training courses
• Application Process: Training schools nominate students who would benefit from extra support
• Notes: Students should direct queries to their course head

Doctoral Research Support

• Description: The charity has supported at least 10 doctoral research projects by pioneers in the field
• Focus: Projects leading to new approaches for diverse populations in music therapy

Priority Areas

The Music Therapy Charity funds research and training that:

• Advances music therapy as an evidence-based treatment option
• Investigates crucial and underdeveloped aspects or fields in music therapy research
• Supports the growth and reputation of the music therapy profession
• Addresses diverse populations and conditions including:
• Youth at risk
• Dementia care
• Refugee and displaced populations
• Mental health conditions (personality disorders, psychosis, depression)
• Children with autism
• Learning disabilities
• End-of-life care
• Parent-child dynamics in trauma-affected families

The charity particularly values:

• High-quality, rigorous research
• Evidence-based practice development
• Innovative methodologies
• Culturally informed approaches
• Practice-based research
• Research with potential for wider impact and scaling

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated on their website, the charity's charitable objects specify they focus on:

• Prevention, relief and cure of sickness and ill health (physical or mental) through arts, music and colour therapy
• Research into these therapeutic applications

The charity is unlikely to fund:

• Projects outside music therapy research and training
• Service delivery costs (they fund research, not ongoing services)
• Projects without clear research or training outcomes
• International projects without UK institutional involvement

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (11 members)

The charity is governed by 11 trustees who receive no remuneration. Notable trustees include:

Professor Helen Odell-Miller OBE

Emeritus Professor of Music Therapy and Founding Director of the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University. Awarded OBE in 2016 for services to music therapy. Over 40 years' experience establishing music therapy as a profession, with particular expertise in adult mental health. Published widely on music therapy for personality disorders, psychosis, and depression.

Dr Neta Spiro

Music psychologist with research expertise in music therapy and music in healthcare settings.

Dr Jacques Launay

Researcher with expertise in music and social effects of musical interaction.

Dr Rachel Darnley-Smith

Music therapy researcher and practitioner.

Christopher Clarke

Leanne O'Keeffe

Grace Pauline Meadows

Roger Swain

Susan Elizabeth Waldman

Research Committee

Professor Ian Cross (Chair until 2025)

Emeritus Professor of Music and Science at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Wolfson College. Founded the Centre for Music & Science at Cambridge in 2002. Research encompasses cognitive neuroscience, experimental archaeology, evolutionary theory and social effects of musical interaction. Former Governor and Chair of the Research Committee of The Music Therapy Charity.

The Research Committee reviews applications and holds open days via Zoom providing opportunities for potential applicants to ask questions.

Key Quote

“Robust evidence is needed to enable music therapy to progress, to advance into new fields and increase delivery to people who need it.” - The Music Therapy Charity mission statement

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Small/Medium Grants (up to £3,000):

1. Review funding opportunities on www.musictherapy.org.uk
2. Download application form and guidance from the website
3. Complete application form
4. Submit by deadline (typically twice yearly - recent deadline 31 January)
5. Applications invited from music therapists including research students

For Large Scoping Projects (up to £17,000):

1. Ensure project meets consortium requirements (minimum two HE institutions)
2. Attend Research Committee open day via Zoom (when offered) to ask questions
3. Develop proposal focused on underdeveloped aspect of music therapy
4. Submit application addressing criteria for large-scale future funding potential

For MA Bursaries (up to £4,000 per course):

1. Training course heads identify students who would benefit from support
2. Schools send student names, numbers and email addresses to Professor Ian Cross at info@musictherapy.org.uk
3. Students with queries should contact their course head

General Application Notes:

• Applications can be for total or partial funding of projects
• Co-funded projects from other sources are welcomed
• Sign up to their database to be notified of new funding opportunities
• Contact info@musictherapy.org.uk with questions

Decision Timeline

Application Frequency: Twice yearly calls for proposals (specific dates vary by grant type)

Review Process: Applications reviewed by Research Committee

Decision Timeline: Not specified publicly, but the charity runs regular funding rounds

Notification Methods: Not specified - likely by email to applicant contact

Recent funding rounds included:

• December 2025 call with 31 January 2026 deadline
• Open day held 22 May 2023 for scoping projects

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available. However, the charity has:

• Funded 491 research projects over 10 years (approximately 49 projects per year)
• Supported 58 trainee music therapists in 2024
• Funded at least 10 doctoral research projects

Given the limited annual income (£63,000) and expenditure (£86,000), competition for funding is likely significant, though specific application numbers are not published.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated on the website. Standard charity practice would typically allow reapplication with revised proposals, but applicants should contact the charity directly for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications typically demonstrate:

1. Evidence-Based Approach

The charity emphasizes advancing music therapy as an “evidence-based treatment option.” Applications should demonstrate rigorous research methodology and potential to contribute to the evidence base. As stated in their mission: “Robust evidence is needed to enable music therapy to progress, to advance into new fields and increase delivery to people who need it.”

2. Focus on Underdeveloped Areas

Recent funded projects address gaps in the field, such as:

• “Music 4 Displaced Dyads East West” (Dr Fabia Franco and Dr Letitia Slabu, Middlesex University, 2024) - refugee caregivers and toddlers
• Building capacity for research on music therapy in end-of-life care (Dr Lisa Graham and Dr Tracey O'Connell, Queen's University Belfast, 2021)
• PAMI-UK dementia intervention manual development (Bryony Waters, University of Nottingham, 2019)

3. Potential for Impact and Scaling

For scoping projects, the charity seeks proposals “likely to result in large-scale consortial bids for funding to national or international research bodies.” Applications should articulate how the funded work will lead to larger research initiatives.

4. Collaborative Approach

Large projects require collaboration between at least two HE institutions. Even for smaller grants, applications that demonstrate partnerships between researchers, practitioners, and service users are valued.

5. Diverse Populations

Funded projects span youth at risk, dementia, refugees, autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and end-of-life care. Applications addressing underserved or vulnerable populations align with the charity's mission.

6. Innovation and Quality

The charity funds “pioneering research” and emphasizes “high-quality” projects. Applications should demonstrate innovative methodologies or novel approaches while maintaining research rigor.

7. Practical Application

Practice-based research is valued. Projects should show clear pathways to improving therapeutic outcomes and service delivery.

8. Clear Budget Justification

With limited funds available (grants up to £3,000 for small projects), successful applications clearly justify costs including part-time salaries, supervision, and data collection/analysis expenses. Co-funding from other sources is welcomed.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Limited but strategic funding: With annual expenditure of £86,000 supporting research and training, applications must demonstrate excellent value and clear outcomes.

• Evidence focus is paramount: Every application should articulate how it will contribute to the evidence base for music therapy as a credible, effective treatment option.

• Address gaps in the field: Review recent funded projects to identify emerging priorities and underdeveloped areas where your research could make unique contributions.

• Think beyond the grant: For scoping projects especially, demonstrate how initial funding will lead to larger research programmes and sustainable impact.

• Leverage the open days: When offered, attend Research Committee Zoom sessions to understand current priorities and ask questions before applying.

• Build collaborative proposals: Especially for larger grants, partnership with multiple institutions and stakeholders strengthens applications.

• Consider co-funding: The charity welcomes partial funding requests - demonstrating other funding sources may increase competitiveness.

• Focus on vulnerable populations: Projects addressing refugees, dementia, mental health, or other underserved groups align with the charity's demonstrated funding patterns.

• Join their database: Sign up for funding notifications to ensure you don't miss application windows.

• Contact them early: With a small team relying on donations, engaging early with questions shows commitment and helps ensure your application aligns with current priorities.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Family Rich Charities Trust
• THE VINEHILL TRUST
• The Kathleen Hannay Memorial Charity
• The Ofenheim Charitable Trust
• Chapman Charitable Trust
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma
• Thriplow Charitable Trust
• The Earthsong Foundation
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust

References

• The Music Therapy Charity official website: www.musictherapy.org.uk (accessed 3 February 2026)
• UK Charity Commission Register: Charity Number 259077, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/259077 (accessed 3 February 2026)
• Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber: “The Music Therapy Charity: Small Grants,” https://www.healthinnovationyh.org.uk/?funding_opportunity=the-music-therapy-charity-small-grants (accessed 3 February 2026)
• RDS West Midlands NIHR: “The Music Therapy Charity: Small grants,” https://www.rds-wm.nihr.ac.uk/the-music-therapy-charity-small-grantsc (accessed 3 February 2026)
• Middlesex University News: “Innovative music therapy project helps displaced Ukraine and Afghan families,” November 2024, https://www.mdx.ac.uk/news/2024/11/refugee-music-therapy/ (accessed 3 February 2026)
• Professor Helen Odell-Miller OBE profile, Anglia Ruskin University: https://www.aru.ac.uk/people/helen-odell-miller (accessed 3 February 2026)
• Professor Ian Cross profile, University of Cambridge Faculty of Music: https://www.mus.cam.ac.uk/directory/ian-cross (accessed 3 February 2026)
• ResearchGate: “The 3rd Music Therapy Charity Conference: The Value of Research for Music Therapy,” 2024, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390480756 (accessed 3 February 2026)
• Frontiers in Psychiatry: “Music for displaced dyads: a mixed methods feasibility study on the impact of music therapy on the mental health and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugee families,” 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1707023/full (accessed 3 February 2026)