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Our history

From one room to a regional music therapy service.

A timeline of the people, partnerships, campaigns, and milestones that shaped NI Music Therapy Trust.

1990

  • The Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust began in one room in Erskine House with a small team and a typewriter.
  • A computer loan from IBM helped with the original team administration.
  • The trust became a registered charity in July.

1991

  • A November newsletter reported that a fund-raising marathon relay team had been secured and t-shirts would be provided.

1992

  • The Ulster Orchestra held a fundraising concert on behalf of the trust and raised more than £3,000.

1995

  • The trust appointed a Business Manager and employed three music therapists.
  • An Evening at Hillsborough Castle was attended by Sir Patrick Mayhew.

1998

  • A music therapy clinic opened at Graham House, Knockbracken, providing support for people without access to music therapy in school or day-centre settings.
  • The trust moved onto email in November.

2000

  • A special joint anniversary concert was held at Fortwilliam Day Centre as part of province-wide 10th anniversary celebrations.

2003

  • The CODA project received funding to respond to recommendations from the NI victims' strategy document, supporting creative expression and development for people who were survivors of the troubles.

2008

  • The Arioso Project launched, providing music therapy to selected special schools throughout Northern Ireland.
  • The trust moved to new offices at McKibbin House in Carryduff.

2009

  • The trust was awarded £326k for Music in Mind, a pioneering intervention research project in child and adolescent psychiatry.

2011

  • A protest rally to Stormont responded to budget cuts that threatened music therapy provision for children with special needs. More than 300 parents and children took part.

2013

  • A regional service contract was secured for children with severe disabilities, continuing a major strand of work across Northern Ireland.

2015

  • The trust was rebranded as Every Day Harmony during its 25th anniversary year.

2019

  • A Music Therapy Hub opened in Carryduff to provide additional sessions and more cost-effective choices for individuals and groups.
  • Ambassador Gary Lightbody attended the official launch of the hub and continues to support the work.

Support the work

Help bring music therapy to more people across Northern Ireland.

Every donation helps fund instruments, sessions, travel, and specialist support for children, young people, and adults.

Donate