Our Team
Tai Chi/Qi Gong Specialist, MusicianSarah Bartlett
Sarah began studying Tai Chi thirty four years ago, later becoming a dedicated student of internationally renowned Tai Chi Grandmaster Dr Shen Hongxun, for over sixteen years until his death in 2011. She has run a successful private teaching practice and Buqi therapy clinic for over twenty five years regularly leading seminars courses and retreats. In addition to her private practice, Sarah has worked closely with Bristol Parkinson’s community for many years.
Sarah began her musical life singing in the church choir and studying classical piano. She grew up to enjoy music from a very wide variety of genres, studying jazz clarinet and singing professionally with various musicians over the years including Pee Wee Ellis (James Brown’s band), musicians from Bristol reggae legends Black Roots, Talisman and Jungle Red and with some of the city’s finest Jazz and Soul session musicians (Photo) will send attachment
Sarah facilitates the Monday and Wednesday weekly sessions
Music Therapist and MusicianJo Levine
Jo Levine is a qualified, experienced HCPC-registered Music Therapist with a particular interest in improvised music to support self-expression, communication and interaction. Her clinical experience spans acute mental health, autism, complex needs, physical disabilities, profound learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
Before training as a music therapist, Jo worked with the BANES NHS Older Adults Therapies Team, facilitating singing groups in acute inpatient and community settings, and attended the first Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain training in Bristol.
Jo has taught piano and piano accordion since 1995, working with people of all ages and abilities in her own studio, schools, Music Services and at Bath University.
As a piano accordionist, Jo has performed with Hazir and other bands at festivals including WOMAD, Glastonbury and Bath International Festival. She also developed and toured Chalguh Chengi, an outdoor family music and dance show supported by Arts Council England.
Jo facilitates the Wednesday weekly sessions
Neurologic Music Therapist and MusicianSophie Barford
Sophie Barford is an HCPC registered Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist, as well as a musician and educator. Her music therapy experience is varied, spanning healthcare, education and community settings, with particular experience supporting people with brain injury and neurological conditions.
She is also the Founder and Director of Music and Motherhood CIC - a music therapy group supporting post-partum women - the leader of Voices of Aphasia’s Wiltshire choir and an Associate Representative for the local music service.
Alongside her clinical work, Sophie is an experienced musician and educator: piano teacher at Monkton Combe Senior School, cellist with a number of orchestras and on the board of Examiners for ABRSM.
Sophie joined VAST following her music therapy trainee placement with the Wednesday group, where she developed a particular interest in the role of music, voice and movement in supporting people living with Parkinson’s.
Sophie facilitates the Monday weekly sessions