It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of Alan’s passing. As a recent graduate on the Nordoff & Robbins Masters course, I was privileged to have spent time learning from Alan as he led the evening group music therapy sessions across one of the terms in Manchester. Alan’s warmth immediately made us all feel safe, understood and appreciated; his kindness, humour and authenticity shone from him, and I am sure that the rest of my cohort would agree that he made a lasting impact on all of us. Spending that time making music with Alan was an honour. He inspires me to be a better music therapist, and I just wish I had longer to be his colleague and spend more time in his joyful presence. My prayers and thoughts are with all his family at this difficult time.