Coleraine woman takes her lifetime's work in music therapy to the TEDx stage
A Coleraine woman is spreading her message of the power of music therapy across Ireland and the UK after being invited to speak at a prestigious TEDx Talk event.
Consultant music therapist, lecturer and co-founder of Resilient Rhythms, Louise Kelly, says that for almost 30 years: “My work has lived at the intersection of music, neuroscience and human behaviour.”
In October, Louise was on the panel of speakers at the TEDx Talk event in Tralee in County Kerry.
"I’ve spent much of my career working quietly within clinical and educational settings, but recently I felt a shift – a pull to step outward and speak publicly about the psychological power of music and the unique expertise held by trained music therapists,” said Louise.
"My TEDx talk became the turning point. When I saw the open call for a women’s event on Empowering Resilience, something inside me clicked.
"The theme echoed everything I had been witnessing – the resilience of young people, the emotional load carried by teachers and parents, and the resilience required of therapists navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
"At its heart, my message is simple: music is not ornamental – it is biological, relational and deeply regulating. And because of that, music therapists have something vital to contribute far beyond therapy rooms.”
Coleraine’s Louise is a consultant music therapist, a qualified ADHD and autism diagnostician, and a lecturer in creative, evidence-based educational practice.
She supports individuals with diverse neurodevelopmental profiles while also educating teachers, leaders and professionals on how environments can support regulation, communication and connection.
Following her TEDx Talk, Louise said that the response had been “wide and generous” from schools, community leaders, local councillors, health professionals and colleagues across sectors.
"For many, it’s the first time they’ve seen music therapy explained simply, practically and with emotional clarity. For me, this visibility isn’t about performance or personal spotlight, it’s about advocacy and education.
"It’s about helping communities understand what music therapists do, why it matters, and how the principles of our work can support children, adults, organisations and whole communities.
"I see this moment not as a departure from clinical practice but as an expansion of it. My voice - and the voice of my profession - is reaching new spaces. I hope my work encourages conversations in education, healthcare, community development and local government about how music and nervous system science can strengthen resilience at every level.”
For nearly three decades, Louise has been supporting children, schools, and adult groups across our community, including individuals living with Autism, learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological and emotional challenges.
Speaking during her TEDx Talk, Louise said: “Music pulls back the curtain of confusion”.
"Across Ireland and the UK, I’m known for a warm, uplifting speaking style that blends humour, story and science. Whether I’m talking about resilience, the nervous system, neurodiversity, the role of play, or why every human needs rhythm, I try to bring heart, clarity and humanity to every room I stand in.
"Music is more than my career. It is the language through which I understand people, connection and resilience – and in this new chapter, it has become the platform through which I hope to create meaningful change.”