About

Ruba Shamshoum, music therapist

Singer, songwriter and teacher for two decades. Music therapist by calling.

Black-and-white portrait of Ruba Shamshoum smiling, her chin resting on her hand, framed by a terracotta shape and a hand-drawn rose stem with leaves

I have spent most of my working life in music: singing, writing songs, and teaching others to sing. Along the way I have been lucky enough to record two albums and a handful of singles, and to learn from many musicians across different genres.

Music has always been a companion to me, and a quietly healing force. In my own songs I have never been afraid to ask difficult questions, or to use music to explore who I am.

I always knew I wanted to become a music therapist. I finally took the leap, and found a whole world of connection and communication I had never known before. I am deeply grateful for it.

As a music therapist, I hope to help people find their own relationship with music: one that keeps them company, gives them a way to explore themselves, and reflects back all the beautiful things we can do in this medium.

I am based in North London, and I work in both Arabic and English.

Listen to my music
Training & registration

Qualifications

Qualification
Master of Music Therapy Nordoff Robbins, validated by Goldsmiths, University of London
HCPC registration
AS019600 Check the register Health and Care Professions Council
Memberships
British Association for Music Therapy Independent Society of Musicians
How I work

My approach

My work is informed by Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy: a humanistic, person-centred approach grounded in active musical participation and shared music-making.

Experience

My work has brought me alongside people living with acquired brain injury, autistic people, and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, from young children to adults. Everyone arrives with their own story, abilities and needs, so each session is shaped around them, meeting them exactly where they are.

Professional standards

Safe, ethical practice

Music therapy is a regulated profession in the UK. These are the commitments behind every session I offer.

  • Regulated practice

    I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and work to its standards of proficiency.

  • Supervision and personal therapy

    I have regular supervision and ongoing personal therapy, so my practice stays reflective and well supported.

  • Continuing development

    I am committed to continuing professional development, and I keep adding to my skills and practice.

  • Safeguarding

    My safeguarding training is always kept up to date, so the people I work with, and those who care for them, can feel safe.

  • Data protection

    I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Any information I hold is kept in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

  • Consent

    Before we begin, I ask clients, or their carers, to sign consent for music therapy and for any recordings I may make for supervision.

Next step

Would you like to talk?

Tell me a little about yourself, or about the person you're asking for, and I'll get back to you to arrange a complimentary 20-minute initial consultation.

Get in touch