Therapeutic environments

It is often said that the harp can have a soothing effect on listeners….

….and by using mindful intention in appropriate circumstances Emma’s harp playing is therapeutic. Community Outreach work is becoming more and more common for UK musicians, although for harpists playing an afternoon concert at the local nursing home is nothing new.

In the US and increasingly other countries around the World it has become possible to train in the field of Therapeutic Musicianship. Emma was fortunate to be able to do so on the International Harp Therapy Program, and in 2008 gained practical experience as a Therapeutic Harp Practitioner in St. James’ Hospital, Bexley Wing in Leeds alongside Ruth Kaye, a spiritual healer working with cancer patients. Rather than just performing a Concert in the Hospital setting Emma created music at the bedside, and matched the music played to the individual patient’s response. This can involve playing requests of well known pieces of music but also includes modal improvisation. Emma also worked at The Healing Clinic, York alongside other complementary therapists, and in yoga for pregnancy classes. As a recognised doula with Doula UK, she has also used this harp therapy with women during early labour for its pain relieving, calming and centering effects. Part of the Harp Therapy and Doula training involves counselling skills as there is an obvious need to have good listening and reflection skills when playing the harp in these contexts.

Entertainment in the Nursing Home
Individual Harp Therapy
Recommended links

Entertainment in the Nursing Home

Emma has plenty of experience and a humble yet cheerful approach when putting on a concert for elderly residents. Find out more

Individual Harp Therapy

Please enquire if you are interested in receiving harp therapy, which is subject to availability.

Emma Yates-Butler

Performing