Who we are. What we do.
Welcome to Ymarfer Music, a locally owned and operated business rooted in the transformative power of music in South Wales, UK. Founded by me, Dan Lewis, a professional musician, educator, and aspiring music therapist, Ymarfer Music is the culmination of years of passion, dedication, and a lifelong vision to help others thrive through music.
What Does Ymarfer Mean?
The name "Ymarfer" (pronounced uh-MAR-ver) is Welsh for "practice" or "rehearsals", symbolising growth, discipline, and creativity. I wanted a name that was unique, but also a name that reflects the importance of consistent effort in personal development and my connection to my Welsh roots. It embodies the ethos of the business: helping individuals and communities discover their potential and connect through the universal language of music.
The Journey to Ymarfer Music
The seeds of Ymarfer Music were planted when I was around 15 years old, dreaming of a business that would blend my passion for music with my desire to help others. Over the years, this vision has taken many forms, been called many things, but has finally mutated into something rather extraordinarily wonderful, shaped by my a lot of experience and education.
I hold two music degrees:
Bachelor’s in Music from Newcastle University.
Master’s in Music from Royal Holloway, University of London.
My professional career has been a dream too. I most recently spent 6 years performing at the pinnacle of cruise ship entertainment, culminating in becoming the first ever Centre Stage Drummer for Carnival Cruise Line’s flagship inaugural ships, Mardi Gras and Celebration. These were handpicked and very prestigious roles. I was able to demonstrate a range of diverse musical styles during 6 nights a week of high energy, high-pressure performances. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed as a professional musician and to achieve my playing dreams.
Alongside my career in music, I’ve always had deep roots in health and social care. Growing up with my mum leading a large private care company, and later working directly with individuals with complex needs, I developed a profound understanding of the importance of inclusivity and person-centred care. These experiences are the foundation of my desire and love of connecting with people of all abilities and backgrounds.
Now, as a Master’s student in Music Therapy at the University of South Wales, I’m furthering my expertise in using music as a tool for healing and emotional connection. This training will enable me to bring even greater depth and impact to the services offered by Ymarfer Music.
Who Can Ymarfer Music Help?
Ymarfer Music is for everyone—no matter their age, ability, or background. My mission is to create an inclusive environment where people can connect, express themselves, and grow through music.
A Vision for the Future
Ymarfer Music is not just a business—it’s a long-term vision. My dream is to build a legacy that blends creativity, connection, and care into every interaction, and expand this business to become the prominent music services business in South Wales.
What does this look like?
Workshops for All Settings: Expanding into corporate settings, working with pregnant mothers, newborns, early years, afterschool programmes, weekend workshops and more.
A Dedicated Facility: A state-of-the-art centre designed to host workshops, therapy sessions, rehearsal spaces and community events. This facility will be a hub for creativity and support, offering resources for people of all ages and abilities. The rooms will include;
Rehearsal Rooms: Fully equipped, soundproofed spaces for individuals and bands to practice, fostering creativity and collaboration in a professional setting.
Therapy Rooms: Comfortable, private spaces designed for one-on-one and group music therapy sessions, tailored to support emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Recording Studio: A modern studio offering clients the opportunity to create professional-quality recordings for personal or professional use.
Community Spaces: Open areas for networking, community events, and informal gatherings to encourage connection and a sense of belonging.
Charitable Endeavours: Establishing a Charity Ymarfer as a working charity to provide access to music lessons, instruments, and therapeutic opportunities for underprivileged individuals.
Expanding Music Therapy Services: Drawing on my academic training, I aim to offer tailored music therapy sessions that promote emotional wellbeing, self-expression, and healing upon qualification as a Professional Music Therapist.
Professional Clinics: Using my contacts in the industry, I plan to ask elite level musicians and arts professionals to come in and give live clinics and private exclusive workshops.
Events: Hosting live music events, community gatherings, and creative showcases to foster engagement, celebrate talent, and bring people together through music.
Membership: Introducing a membership program offering exclusive benefits, including access to workshops, resources, online content, and discounts on services to build a loyal and connected Ymarfer Music community.