John Habron-James

Professor John Habron-James is the Head of Music, Health and Wellbeing at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), leading a team of 11 staff in the Student Health and Wellbeing Hub. He holds academic qualifications including BA, MA (Music Composition), PhD, and MA (Music Therapy). His research focuses on intersections between music, movement, and wellbeing, particularly through Dalcroze Eurhythmics. He has led international conferences like the International Conference of Dalcroze Studies (2013-2023) and serves on multiple academic committees including the RNCM’s Research Ethics Committee.

• Research areas: Music therapy, music education history, somatic practices, medical humanities
• Key roles: PhD supervisor, editorial board member (International Journal of Music Education, Journal of Dance and Somatic Practices)
• Awards: Ingham Memorial Award (2024), Honorary Lifetime Membership (Dalcroze UK)

His current projects include co-editing Navigating Landscapes of Dalcroze Practice: Histories of Music and Movement (2025) and researching music therapist Priscilla Barclay’s legacy. He supervises doctoral research in music pedagogy and wellbeing, with completed PhDs on topics like Alexander Technique for musicians and eco-literate performance practices.