60 Seconds with Louise Kelly

Meet Louise Kelly, Co-Founder of Resilient Rhythms!

Tell us about your role and your organisation.
I’m Louise Kelly, a public speaker and Consultant Music Therapist, and my passion is sharing the extraordinary power of music to transform wellbeing. As co-founder of Resilient Rhythms, I speak about how rhythm, voice and sound can regulate the nervous system, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful connection across all ages.
Through Resilient Rhythms, I lead staff-wellbeing programmes and professional training across the UK and Ireland, helping educators, health professionals and organisations use music-based approaches to support regulation, communication and inclusive practice. My workshops combine neuroscience, creativity and practical strategies that people can use immediately in classrooms, teams, or workplaces.
With 28 years’ experience supporting thousands of people from preschool children to those in elderly care, my work spans therapy, education and counselling. I lecture at university level on therapeutic music-making in schools, and as a qualified ADHD and autism diagnostician, I also deliver neurodiversity training that builds understanding and celebrates difference.
Warmth, clarity and a deep belief in the power of music shape everything I do—whether I’m speaking on stage, working with staff, or supporting communities through Resilient Rhythms

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.
My journey with music began when I picked up a violin at the age of seven. From that moment, music became the thread running through my entire life. I played throughout school, went on to study for a degree in Music, and then completed my PGDip in Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, where I discovered just how powerfully music can transform regulation, communication and connection.
I spent my first ten years as a Music Therapist working with NIMTT before moving into self-employment. That led me to establish Louise Kelly Music Therapy Services, supporting children, families, adults and older people across a wide range of settings.
More recently, I co-founded Resilient Rhythms, which began as a response to the growing need to support young people’s wellbeing after COVID. What started as youth-focused regulation work quickly expanded—today Resilient Rhythms provides training and wellbeing support for educators, healthcare teams and businesses across the UK and Ireland.
My recent TEDx talk reflects where my heart is now: I want to keep banging the drum—loudly and publicly—for the importance of music in human wellbeing. Whether I’m speaking on stage, training staff, or supporting communities, my mission remains the same: to champion the role of music as one of our most accessible, powerful tools for regulation, resilience and connection.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?
Empathy and humour

What advice do you have for women in your industry?
As humans, we take up space, so we may as well own that space and make it count

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead for your organisation?
Yes, I want to travel with my TEDx talk and spread the power of music globally

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
Honestly, the thousands of children with SEN needs I've had the honour of supporting through the years.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
Difficult to answer that one, as Music literally is the driving force behind everything I do

How can members connect with you?
via this platform or via any of my social media platforms on LinkedIn or Facebook, or via my email