I am an experienced and qualified Music Therapist with a passion for mental health and wellbeing. Over the years, I have developed a versatile skill set in music therapy, teaching, and cognitive behavioural therapy, working extensively with young people, adults, and diverse clinical populations. I enjoy combining therapeutic modalities with my musical skills to deliver impactful interventions and support across healthcare and educational sectors. My background spans international and local settings, from schools and healthcare trusts to secure units and alternative provisions. I am dedicated to continued learning and professional development, holding advanced qualifications in music therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. With a friendly and empathetic approach, I thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments where the power of music enhances health and wellbeing outcomes.

Siân Canning

I am an experienced and qualified Music Therapist with a passion for mental health and wellbeing. Over the years, I have developed a versatile skill set in music therapy, teaching, and cognitive behavioural therapy, working extensively with young people, adults, and diverse clinical populations. I enjoy combining therapeutic modalities with my musical skills to deliver impactful interventions and support across healthcare and educational sectors. My background spans international and local settings, from schools and healthcare trusts to secure units and alternative provisions. I am dedicated to continued learning and professional development, holding advanced qualifications in music therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. With a friendly and empathetic approach, I thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments where the power of music enhances health and wellbeing outcomes.

Available to hire

I am an experienced and qualified Music Therapist with a passion for mental health and wellbeing. Over the years, I have developed a versatile skill set in music therapy, teaching, and cognitive behavioural therapy, working extensively with young people, adults, and diverse clinical populations. I enjoy combining therapeutic modalities with my musical skills to deliver impactful interventions and support across healthcare and educational sectors.

My background spans international and local settings, from schools and healthcare trusts to secure units and alternative provisions. I am dedicated to continued learning and professional development, holding advanced qualifications in music therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. With a friendly and empathetic approach, I thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments where the power of music enhances health and wellbeing outcomes.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate

Work Experience

High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist at VITA Health Group (VHG)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Providing high intensity cognitive behavioural therapy as part of mental health services.
Music Therapist, Mental Health Specialist, Band 7 at Atkinson Children’s Secure Unit - Devon Partnerships Trust, NHS
January 31, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Delivered music therapy within a secure children’s unit, providing specialist mental health support through therapeutic music sessions.
Music Therapist, Mental Health Specialist and Onsite Therapist at Poles Apart Alternative Provision, Plymouth
January 31, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Provided music therapy and mental health specialist support onsite at an alternative educational provision.
CAMHS NHS Early Intervention Liaison Practitioner at Livewell Trust, Plymouth
September 30, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Conducted assessments, triage, referrals, and psychoeducational interventions for young people referred to CAMHS. Delivered 1:1 and group CBT and DBT informed interventions, maintained clinical records, collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams and external agencies, and supervised student nurses.
Teacher of General Subjects and Music at Medical Tuition Service – Torbay Council
December 31, 2021 - August 28, 2025
Delivered differentiated lessons across English, Maths, History, PSHE, and Music to students with medical needs. Developed customised learning packages, music curriculum, and collaborated with local arts charities. Engaged in multidisciplinary child protection reviews and wrote EHCP applications.
MA Music Therapy Student & Clinical Practitioner at University of the West of England
October 1, 2019 - August 28, 2025
Completed MA in Music Therapy with clinical placements involving PMLD children, adult psychiatric intensive care patients, and traumatised adolescents. Ran individual and group therapy, maintained clinical notes, worked in interdisciplinary teams, attended supervision and conferences, and delivered staff training.
Teacher of Primary and Secondary Music at Dhahran British Grammar School - International Schools Group
June 30, 2016 - August 28, 2025
Delivered classroom and extracurricular music education for KS2-KS4 including instrumental lessons, ensemble leadership, and event organization. Pastoral form tutor duties and staff training delivery included.
Primary Music Teacher (Short-term Contract) at American International School - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025
Developed and taught primary music curriculum and extracurricular activities. Managed music budget and equipment orders.
Teacher of Music and English KS1-Sixth Form at International Schools Group (ISG) - Saudi Arabia
December 31, 2015 - August 28, 2025
Taught Music and English across KS1 to Sixth Form, with a range of classroom and pastoral responsibilities.
Teacher of Music KS1-Sixth Form at Kuwait English School - Kuwait
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025
Classroom teaching of Music spanning KS1 to Sixth Form.
Teacher of Music at Ryde & Carisbrooke High Schools – Isle of Wight, UK
December 31, 2007 - August 28, 2025
Music teaching to secondary school students.

Education

PGCert at University of Exeter
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
MA Music Therapy with Distinction at University of the West of England
September 1, 2016 - October 1, 2019
PGCE Secondary Education – Music at University of Durham
September 1, 2003 - August 1, 2004
BMus (HONS) Music at University of Huddersfield
September 1, 1999 - June 1, 2003
A Levels at Whickham School
September 1, 1997 - June 1, 1999

Qualifications

HCPC Registered Music Therapist
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
PGCert – High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
MA Music Therapy with Distinction
September 1, 2016 - October 1, 2019
PGCE Secondary Education – Music
September 1, 2003 - August 1, 2004
BMus (Hons) Music
September 1, 1999 - June 1, 2003
EDEXCEL External Moderator AS Level Music
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
EDEXCEL BTEC Approved Moderator
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization

Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate