Clare Barnes music therapy

Music therapist, with 15+ years’ experience of working with children in schools throughout Hertfordshire.

I offer individual and group Music Therapy, tailored to meet the specific needs of my clients, as guided by their diagnosis and personal preferences.

Welcome!

Hello, I’m Clare – a qualified Music Therapist, passionate about supporting children and families across Hertfordshire. I founded Clare Barnes Music Therapy in 2025, with the aim of supporting children to develop their communication and self expression, to support their increasing confidence and express themselves creatively through shared musical play.

About me

I completed my Masters degree in Music Therapy at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I’m a registered member of the British Association of Music Therapy (BAMT) and fully registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), registration number AS13494.

My experience

Over the years, I’ve worked in a wide range of Hertfordshire schools – including special schools and mainstream settings. I have experience working with children with:

  • Autism
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • A wide variety of other diagnoses

I also work with children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or simply need a safe and supportive space to express themselves.

Above all, I love creating a nurturing environment where children can explore music, build confidence, and develop their own unique voice.

A bit more about me

Outside of work, I love playing the cello (often with local orchestras), singing in a community choir, and playing the piano. Music has always been a joyful part of my life and it is very satisfying to share that joy with the children and families I work with. I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, going for walks and creating lifelong memories.

Contact me

What my clients are saying

Excited for Every Session

Clare has been working with our daughter for just over a year. Our daughter has autism and she loves her sessions with Clare. We have seen huge developments in her communication and interaction with us since receiving music therapy sessions. Our daughter looks forward to her music therapy day each week with excitement. Clare is gentle, nurturing and an excellent music therapist at being able to communicate with our daughter on her level which has helped develop their musical relationship.

– Ms B, daughter aged 14

Progress to be proud of

My son has been seeing Clare for music therapy and during this time she has built a strong therapeutic relationship with him and we have seen many positive improvements in him.
My son had very few motivators but Clare has changed that.
He is always very excited on his “music therapy day” and is often early for sessions! Since having music therapy we have seen a big improvement in my son’s communication skills both verbal and non verbal.
His confidence and concentration is also improving.
My son can have quite challenging needs and the fact that he trusts her and will engage with her is testament to her excellent skills as a music therapist.

– Ms P. (son aged 8)

More Than Just Music

Clare has worked with our pupils for two years now. She adds so much to their lives through the therapeutic approach she uses. It is wonderful to walk past her sessions and hear the pupils developing their ability to express themselves. They recognise her when they see her and the sessions make them happy.

– Lynnette Johnson, Headteacher, Lakeside school for children with severe learning difficulties.

FAQs

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is one of the creative arts therapies which also includes art therapy, drama therapy and dance/movement therapy.

Everyone has a natural ability to respond to music, and music therapy uses this connection to facilitate positive changes in both emotional and social communication through the engagements in shared musical interaction between the child and therapist. At the core of music therapy is the therapeutic relationship that is established between the therapist and child. This relationship is developed through live musical interactions using a wide range of styles and instruments, including the voice.

The music is largely improvised although familiar tunes and songs may also be used. Using free, live, improvised music enables the child to create their own musical language in which to express themselves and connect with the therapist and wider world. A wide range of instruments is available each week to support the child in expressing themselves creatively through shared music making and play with the therapist. The child can also use their voice which can support the development of communication.

The music therapy space is the same each week and sessions are held on the same day and same time which helps to secure the trust in the therapeutic relationship and hold the therapeutic boundaries.  Session contact time will range from 20-30 minutes depending on the age and ability of the child.  There will also be time after the session for writing up case notes.

Who would benefit from music therapy?

Because musical participation and response does not depend on the ability to speak, music therapy is a particularly effective clinical intervention for people who have difficulty communicating verbally. For children with global developmental delay or long-term illness, music therapy can be life changing. For children with autism, music therapy can support the development of emotional, social and communication skills.

Music therapists work across a broad spectrum of need in a wide variety of settings to enable children and young people to:
• explore and express thoughts and feelings
• nurture social interaction and communication skills
• encourage creative and spontaneous play
• develop concentration and co-ordination
• increase awareness of themselves and others
• boost self-esteem and build resilience
• stimulate language and listening skills
• strengthen family and peer relationships

How can I help you?

I am able to take referrals for music therapy sessions from parents, schools and other professionals.  Sessions will take place at the child’s school where possible but there may be the option to work from the child’s home. 

There will be 4 assessment sessions and a report will be written as part of this assessment process.  Following the assessment, if deemed appropriate, ongoing music therapy sessions will be offered in half term blocks.  You will be billed half termly. 

If you are interested in making a referral, please send me an email with completed referral form and consent form, or contact me if you have any further questions.

Get In touch

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Alternatively, fill in the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

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