Solace in Sound NI

16/06/2026

🎵 I'll be at the Disability Information Day in Cookstown on Wednesday 17th June!

If you're interested in finding out more about music therapy, how it works, and how it may support emotional wellbeing, communication, confidence, and connection, come and have a chat.

Whether you're a parent, carer, professional, or simply curious, I'd love to meet you.
See you there! 🎶

14/06/2026

07/06/2026

🎵 Music is more than art. It's a therapeutic tool with measurable benefits.

A newly published meta-analysis reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1,160 autistic children and found that music therapy produced significant improvements in core behavioral challenges, including repetitive behaviors, aggression, and sensory dysregulation.

At a time when there are still no medications specifically designed to target the core behavioral symptoms of autism, this research highlights the unique potential of music-based interventions to support growth, regulation, communication, and quality of life.

Music therapy is a specialized clinical profession, distinct from music education. As music therapists, we witness every day how carefully structured musical experiences can help individuals connect, communicate, and thrive.

Science continues to validate what many families, clinicians, and autistic individuals have experienced firsthand: music reaches places that words sometimes cannot.

📖 Study: Gao et al. (2025), Frontiers in Psychiatry
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1511920

31/05/2026

🎵 I'm delighted to be part of this year's National Carers Week creative workshop series!

Join me online for an introduction to Music Therapy, where we'll explore how music can support wellbeing, connection, self-expression, and emotional health. No musical experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to experience the power of music in a new way.

📅 Tuesday 9th June at 7:30pm
📅 Sunday 14th June at 7:30pm

This workshop is free and is open to carers and anyone interested in learning more about music therapy and experiencing some practical musical activities together in a supportive online space.

🎟️ Book your free place here:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988308053913?aff=oddtdtcreator

National Carers Week also features wonderful creative workshops with author Tanya Farrelly and artist Laura Freinate, so there's something for everyone.

I look forward to sharing this experience with you! 🎶

🌟We're running a series of creative online workshops across National Carers Week with something for everyone.👇

🖋️Join author Tanya Farrelly on Thursday 11th June at 7pm for a writing workshop:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988182781219?aff=oddtdtcreator

✍️Get creative with a pencil and paper with artist Laura Freinate on Saturday 13th June at 12pm:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988183133272?aff=oddtdtcreatoror

🎵Experience the world of music therapy with Cathy Quinn on Tuesday 9th June and Sunday 14th June at 7.30pm:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988308053913?aff=oddtdtcreator

27/05/2026

🎵 As part of Carers Week 2026, I'm delighted to be facilitating a Music Therapy for Carers session at Ballybot House, Newry.

Caring for others can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. This session offers carers an opportunity to take some time for themselves, connect with others, and experience how music can support wellbeing, creativity, relaxation, and a sense of community.

No musical experience is needed—just come along as you are.

📅 Tuesday 9th June
⏰ 11am–12pm
📍 Ballybot House, Newry

Music-making together can help reduce stress, lift mood, and create meaningful moments of connection. I'd love to welcome any carers who would like to join us.

To book your place, contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 028 3089 8119

Please feel free to share with carers who may benefit. 💙🎶

27/05/2026

What a special evening celebrating with our Ardboe Scor group after being selected as finalists for the Mid Ulster Council Arts Group of the Year Award.

Music has such a powerful way of bringing people together, creating connection, community, and joy, something I see both through performance and through my work in music therapy with Solace in Sound (NI).

I’m so grateful to share music with such talented and passionate people, and it was brilliant to celebrate together last week at the Burnavon with others that have made huge contributions to mid Ulster. Thank you to everyone who supports local arts, traditional music, and the healing power of music in all its forms. 🎶✨

18/05/2026

This week is Dementia Action Week 💜

At Solace in Sound (NI), we see every day how music can reach places words sometimes cannot. A familiar melody can spark memories, calm anxiety, encourage connection, and bring moments of comfort and joy to those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Music therapy is not just about listening to songs, it’s about identity, emotion, communication, and human connection.

During Dementia Action Week, we want to help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and celebrate the importance of compassionate, person-centred support.

If someone you love is living with dementia, know that even in difficult moments, connection is still possible — and music can be a powerful bridge.

I currently offer 1-1 music therapy sessions and would also love to hear from anyone interested in group sessions for people living with dementia. A few people have already expressed interest in creating a space to meet regularly for music therapy, connection, shared memories, and meaningful social interaction through music.

If this is something that may benefit someone you care for, please feel free to get in touch on 07494046199 or email address at [email protected]💜

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

17/05/2026

Music has a special way of reaching people, no matter their age or stage of life 🎶❤️

I recently had the privilege of spending time sharing music with residents in Ashbrooke Care Home in Coalisland, and it was such a meaningful experience. Seeing smiles, singing along, tapping feet, and moments of connection reminded me again of the powerful impact music can have in residential care settings.

Music therapy and live music can help older people by:
✨ Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation
✨ Encouraging communication and social connection
✨ Supporting memory and emotional wellbeing
✨ Creating calm, comfort, and joy
✨ Bringing people together through shared songs and experiences

Sometimes a familiar song can unlock treasured memories and emotions that words alone cannot reach.

Thank you to everyone who made the visit so welcoming. It was a pleasure to share music, laughter, and special moments together 💙

13/05/2026

A lovely recent visit back to St Patrick's Primary School, Mullinahoe, my old primary school I attended.

It was great to reconnect with the school community, share a little music, and make new connections along the way. Special moments like these remind me how important early school experiences and supportive environments can be in shaping who we become.

Thank you for the warm welcome 💙🎶