Therapy project is music to the ears
A TRIP to a world famous American management centre has prompted a Highland company to pursue an unusual new project.
Interim management firm Grampian and Highland Resources (GHR) is exploring the possibility of developing a music therapy business for clients such as the NHS, charities and private individuals.
Later this year it is hoped Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Media Lab will run a pilot study of its composition software in the Highlands, while a researcher from Edinburgh University is preparing to work with Nairn-based GHR on a feasibility study .
It follows a visit to MIT in Boston by GHR joint founder Fiona Sherret — one of five business figures chosen by Highlands and Island Enterprise to travel to the US. There she spoke to experts who convinced her that an idea she and her husband Brian initially came up with four years ago was worth pursuing.
“It is fantastic what HIE has done to build up a relationship with such a high calibre institute,” she said. “An internationally recognised professor was willing to talk to me about our project, take it seriously and offer help. We could never have done that on our own.”
The Sherrets first identified a lack of music therapy provision while seeking help for their disabled son, now aged 10. “He has no effective communication but music has given him the ability to express himself and communicate,” Mrs Sherret said.
Talks are ongoing over the creation of a music therapy degree course at the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Sherrets believe there is a viable business in offering music therapy commercially. They are even considering spin-off products.
“As we go forward we need to look wider at the commercial aspect and allowing people to use therapy in their everyday lives to de-stress and get their cultural side fitter. That could open up a huge market,” Mrs Sherret said.
Researchers from MIT believe the Highlands’ remote communities are the ideal place to pilot their new online composition software, which enables people with limited physical function to make music and even perform. If successful, it is possible GHR could use the technology in the future.
The venture represents a major departure for GHR, whose main business is offering the services of 25 freelance experts to companies on a short, medium or long-term basis.
Launched 10 years ago after the Sherrets moved to Nairn, the ?company is currently looking to expand its operations in the Highlands having previously generated most of its turnover in the Aberdeen and Perth areas.
“Unlike consultants, who tell companies what they need to do and leave them to get on with it, we identify their needs and see how our resources can deliver that solution.” said Mrs Sherret. “It may be that a firm might want a top notch finance director for a month while they go through a period of growth but don’t want to create a salaried position. We can provide that.”
Clients have included an Aberdeen construction company, where GHR upgraded the financial control systems and supplied an interim manager for the accounting department on behalf of an investor, plus oil, agricultural and leisure firms.
