My first musical experiences were at a young age growing up in South Wales. I had piano lessons and also enjoyed singing in my local church choir from the age of seven. This love of music and particularly singing continued throughout my teenage years as I sang in various school and church choirs, played organ in a chapel and also competed in local singing competitions. From the age of 15 I had singing lessons and achieved my Grade Eight Singing with Distinction in 2001.

At the age of 18 I left Wales to study Music at Bristol University. I continued to develop as a musician here through my studies, choral singing and also by taking part in various musicals and operas. By this time I also had a strong interest in working with children with learning disabilities, which resulted in me carrying out some voluntary work for the National Autistic Society. Immediately after university I worked as a Learning Support Assistant in an infants school in Bristol supporting a young child with autism. At the same time I did a part-time Masters qualification in the Psychology of Music. In my summer holidays I returned to Wales where I worked for a company called Interplay providing play activities for children with various disabilities.

Over time I became aware of the various benefits of Music Therapy and realised it was a career I wanted to pursue as it brought together two main aspects of my life – music and working with people with learning disabilities. In 2007 I was offered a place to train as a Music Therapist at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. I graduated from the course in 2009 having gained experience in a variety of settings including a psychiatric unit, special schools and a day centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Current Work

My current work includes:

• Working with children with autism in groups for the National Autistic Society
• Working with adults with mental illness such as schizophrenia and depression on an acute inpatient ward
• Carrying out clinical work with children with autism in a primary school as part of the international research trial TIME-A
• Supervisor of trainee Music Therapists on clinical placement

Previous Work

• Extensive experience of working with young adults with a wide range of learning disabilities and autism at a further education college
• Older adults with dementia and depression

Additional Professional Information

I have a Masters degree in Music Therapy (with Merit) from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. As a Music Therapist, I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. This means that I trained on a validated course. I also maintain their standards, meaning I am fit to practice as a Music Therapist. I receive regular supervision of my work and keep up to date with my Continuing Professional Development.

I am also a Trustee and Professional Development Officer for the British Association for Music Therapy.

Belinda Lydon BA (Hons) MA MA Music Therapy