Therapeutic Song Sessions
R&D Project
Therapeutic Song Sessions (TSS) is a research and development project exploring how structured songwriting can support children, young people and adults — including those with SEND or emotional vulnerability — to shape meaningful creative work in safe and supported settings. This page provides a short introduction and examples of my artistic practice to support the application.
"That has Manchester's musical heritage running right through it" Guy Garvey (Elbow) BBC 6 Music
R&D Focus
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Designing and testing a structured songwriting framework
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Piloting 1:1 and small-group research sessions
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Undertaking trauma-informed CPD to inform facilitation
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Mentoring with Lin Marsh to refine the approach
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Developing an adaptable model for inclusive and SEND contexts
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Considering how participant-created songs might be shared or archived in ways that feel safe and appropriate
Songwriting & Production
Writing songs is at the heart of what I do. Over the past six years I’ve written, recorded and produced work as Test Card Girl, developing a way of working that combines structure with emotional honesty. The tracks below give a sense of my songwriting voice and the production approach that underpins Therapeutic Song Sessions.
Education & Career Highlights
Alongside my work as a songwriter, I have spent much of my career working in education and community arts contexts. The following roles and experiences inform the development of TSS:
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Masters in Music (Oxford University)
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Qualified to Teach Status (Teach First)
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Head of Music (primary and secondary)
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Learning Manager BBC Proms
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World Voice Senior Programme Manager
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Nimble Arts Creative Childcare Director
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Music Workshop Leader (BBC, RCM, The Barbican)
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Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Factory + / Manchester Internatinal Festival Mentoring Porgramme 2021