Dr. Margaret Lobo has dedicated over 40 years to advancing the field of Clinical Music Therapy, bringing solace and healing to some of the most vulnerable members of society in the UK, India, and Nepal. Drawing upon her knowledge of Sanskrit and ancient Indian spiritual traditions, she enriches her therapeutic work with profound cultural insights.

Together with her late husband, Walter Lobo, Margaret founded and developed a team of highly skilled and dedicated Music Therapists in London through the Otakar Kraus Music Trust (www.okmtrust.co.uk). From modest beginnings, the organization has grown to operate in 25 venues, providing over 4,000 music therapy sessions annually to more than 450 people of all ages with physical, learning, neurological or psychological difficulties.

In 2005, Margaret expanded her efforts to India and Nepal, where she established the first globally recognized Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Music Therapy, training Indian musicians to become qualified Music Therapists. Over the past 17 years, more than 60 therapists have graduated from this program and now provide clinical music therapy across India. Margaret continues to support this mission through the Walter Lobo Wellness Trust, offering music therapy education and clinical services throughout India.

Margaret is a named mentor for the ASHA Foundation’s “Inspirational Women from Around the World” initiative. In 2003, she was nominated for the Beacon Prize for her philanthropic contributions. Her accolades include:

• Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA) (2007)
• Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University (2010) for her contributions to health and social sciences in the UK, India, and Nepal
• The International Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award (2017), recognizing 30 years of volunteer service in music therapy
• The Points of Light Award (2018) from the UK Prime Minister, honoring outstanding individual volunteerism.

Margaret remains actively involved, offering guidance and support to music therapy initiatives in the UK and India.