Music therapy for children and young people

Music therapy for children and young people with a variety of difficulties

Hafnarfjörður municipality and Hljóma Music Therapy have now signed a partnership agreement for music therapy for children and young people in Hafnarfjörður. Hljóma, under the direction of Inga Björk Ingadóttir, provides music therapy for children and young people with a variety of needs, such as intellectual or physical disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, social difficulties and emotional distress.

^{This nearly five-year-old boy is among Inga Björk's pupils. Photograph: Olga Björt Þórðardóttir.}

Innovation in the development of treatments for a unique and diverse group of clients

At Hljómu, individuals have the opportunity to access and enjoy music with all its uplifting qualities on their own terms. Hljóma is located in a beautiful black timber house at 38 Austurgata in Hafnarfjörður, providing facilities for music therapy and music tuition for individuals and groups, with good access for people with reduced mobility. Hljóma's owner, Inga Björk Ingadóttir, studied music therapy at the Musiktherapeutische Arbeitsstätte in Berlin from 2001 to 2006. Following this, she worked in music therapy and specialised music teaching in various institutions in Germany and Austria, both in the healthcare and education sectors. There, she worked with children with special needs, at a hospital specialising in palliative oncology, and with individuals with multiple disabilities.

^{The instrument stock and facilities at Hljóma are constantly being developed. In addition to conventional instruments, there is a diverse collection of instruments that Inga Björk has acquired during her career, both abroad and at home, some self-made and others commissioned for Hljóma. These include instruments specially adapted to the needs of various clients with different challenges. Photograph: Olga Björt Þórðardóttir}

Hljóma is a unique place in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.

Since 2011, Inga Björk has worked in Iceland in music therapy and music teaching, and in 2014, Inga founded Hljóm. In recent years, she has placed a strong emphasis on bringing music and opportunities to those who need a tailored approach and teaching, working through her company both on-site and in homes. She works with children and young people with various challenges, as well as adults with brain injuries, in addition to innovating in the music education of the very youngest. Alongside her work at Hljóma, Inga Björk provides specialised music tuition and consultancy, including at the Hafnarfjörður Music School. The collaboration agreement between Hljóma and the City of Hafnarfjörður is a one-year pilot project with the possibility of extension and the continuation of a successful and good partnership into the future.

^{The view from Hljóma's window is like something out of a fairy tale. Photo: Olga Björt Þórðardóttir}