Rebecca Atkinson

Rebecca Atkinson is a Researcher and Institute Operations Manager at the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, part of Anglia Ruskin University's Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD from the University of Brighton and specializes as a Neurologic Music Therapist, focusing on paediatric brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions, and community rehabilitation. Her work bridges music therapy with neuroscience and healthcare, emphasizing innovative service development.

Education:

• BSc Music and Psychology, University of Roehampton
• MA Music Therapy, Anglia Ruskin University
• PhD in Music Therapy, University of Brighton

Research Interests: Rebecca’s work centers on music therapy, music and neuroscience, and neurologic music therapy, particularly in paediatrics. She explores music’s role in addressing neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Batten disease), acute care, and community rehabilitation. Her recent focus includes digital music interventions for dementia patients during the pandemic.

Key Trends in Publications: Her articles highlight music therapy’s therapeutic potential for neurological disorders, including stroke, Parkinson’s, and Batten disease. She advocates for telehealth applications and emphasizes the intersection of music, health, and education.

Awards: Rebecca has won multiple awards in business and music therapy, though specific names are not disclosed. Her leadership in founding Chiltern Music Therapy—a major UK provider—reflects her industry impact.

Advising & Collaborations: She supervises research and collaborates with UK/European institutions. Her role at Chiltern Music Therapy involves leading a team of music therapists, advancing service innovation.

Labs/Teams: Co-founder of Chiltern Music Therapy, Board Member, and collaborator with global research networks in music therapy and neurodegenerative diseases.