Laura Mortimore
BSc (Hons) Healthcare Practice, Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
As a child, music was my escape, my joy, and my creative outlet. I would sing at home, pick up instruments and play for hours, never imagining that these moments of pure enjoyment would one day shape my career. Back then, music was a hobby—a way to express myself and connect with something deeper.
But life, as it often does, took me in unexpected directions.
In my early adulthood, I became a parent, and with that came the desire to care for others, both at home and in a professional capacity. I pursued studies in healthcare, learning about the intricacies of physical and mental wellbeing. During this time, I began to notice something remarkable: music, which had always been a personal passion, was proving to be a powerful tool in healing.
Whether it was calming my child after a long day or observing patients respond positively to music therapy, the effects were undeniable. I realised that music could reach people in ways words couldn't, offering comfort, connection, and a sense of peace. This revelation changed the course of my career.
My journey into healthcare opened my eyes to the ways music can influence mental health, relieve stress, and even aid physical recovery. Studies have shown that music can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve mood—and I saw this firsthand. This was the turning point for me. I wanted to combine my love of music with my new understanding of its therapeutic power.
I made the decision to train as a teacher, knowing that I wanted to share the gift of music with others, particularly children. Music is more than a subject to be taught; it’s a form of expression, a way to process emotions, and a means of fostering creativity and resilience. I envisioned creating an environment where children could explore music not just as a skill but as a tool for their overall wellbeing.
Teaching music in schools has reinforced my belief in its transformative power. Beyond learning chords or mastering a melody, students are developing critical life skills—confidence, focus, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. For some, music provides a safe space to express emotions they can’t articulate in words. For others, it offers a creative outlet to explore their identity.
Music’s impact on mental and physical wellbeing is significant, especially for young children who are still learning to navigate their emotions and relationships. Music can be a form of therapy, a source of relaxation, and a way to improve cognitive development. It’s why I emphasize a holistic approach in my teaching, blending the technical with the emotional, ensuring each child has a personal connection with the music they create.
Looking back, I realise that my journey—from a child playing instruments for fun, to a healthcare professional, to a music teacher—has come full circle. What started as a hobby has grown into a career centred on helping others through the power of music.
Today, I feel fortunate to combine my two passions: education and wellbeing. Every day, I witness the joy and healing music can bring to young lives, and it fills me with hope.
Music has been with me through every stage of life, and now, as a peripatetic teacher, I get to share its beauty and benefits with the next generation.
