Celebrating World Music Therapy Week It’s the first ever World Music Therapy Week! To celebrate, we’ll be debunking some common music therapy misconceptions.
We’ll be sharing a myth-busting blog from our music therapists, stories of how music therapy has a positive impact and discussing what exactly music therapy is! Tune into our social channels to be part of the conversation.
Find out more below, and catch up on more news from us.
What do you know about music therapy? Is music therapy really only for children? Does it only take place in groups? Test your music therapy knowledge, as our music therapists break down some common misconceptions.
Read now How should we talk about disability? In this thought-provoking blog post, music therapist Stella speaks on how we can begin to take personal responsibility for our language use on disability – and why it’s important.
Bringing music therapy back to Glasgow We are very excited to have partnered with multi-disciplinary arts venue SWG3! This partnership will allow us to bring music therapy back to the people of Glasgow.
What’s it like to be a music therapy student? Ever wondered what it’s like to study on our Master of Music Therapy programme? Chloe gives us a sneak peek of a day in her life as a student with Nordoff and Robbins.
Enquire about music therapy Music therapy can help people of all ages and circumstances. Did you know that you can refer yourself? Find out which of our centres are currently accepting new referrals, and how to apply.
Our flagship fundraiser, the O2 Silver Clef Awards, is just around the corner (tomorrow)! We’re looking forward to many special moments, including hearing the story of Inez, told in person by her father, Julian.
Another special moment we’re eagerly anticipating is the auction of George Michael’s personal Bechstein piano. You can register and live stream the auction, below!
Why not stay up to date with the O2 Silver Clefs on social media tomorrow?
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And we’d also love to invite you to TikTok, where we’ll be sharing video highlights of our flagship fundraiser!
“Inez was mesmerised from the start. Fraser listens, and with the piano, he’s able to articulate something that she understands. Sometimes she just gazes into his eyes.” The incredible testimony Inez’s dad, Julian, gave on his daughter’s experience of music therapy with Fraser. Watch Inez’s story, below. Watch Inez’ story
A very special auction of George Michael’s personal Bechstein piano With heartfelt thanks to George’s Estate, we have the privilege of hosting this auction at our O2 Silver Clef Awards. It’s open to anyone in the world, and you can live stream it on Friday 1st July at 2pm. Every penny raised will go towards music therapy. Register today Music Mudder returns! Is your business ready to face the music (and mud)? Music Mudder returns to Surrey on Friday 2nd September, challenging brave Nordoff Robbins supporters to the mud-run of a lifetime! This messy team-building fundraiser brings music and mud together, in teams of 10! Sign up your team
Happy 80th Birthday, Macca! The Beatles Story in Liverpool (a museum dedicated to the fab four) is celebrating Sir Paul McCartney’s 80th by raising funds for us! Beatles fans can sign Paul’s digital birthday card, and Donate – bringing to life the power of music, through music therapy. Read more and donate
Raising funds for music therapy – in the name of heavy metal! 🤘 Heavy Metal Truants finally hosted their London to Download Festival cycle after 2 years of virtual events. Joining the team was Rob Rolfe from Enter Shikari, who wanted to support us after visiting our London Centre. Sponsor Rob, below! Sponsor Rob
The O2 Silver Clef Awards return on 1st July! We’ll be honouring some of the biggest names in the music industry (including our O2 Silver Clef Award winner, the legendary Peter Gabriel!) All whilst raising hundreds of thousands in vital funding for Nordoff Robbins. Read more on who of your favourite artists have scooped an O2 Silver Clef Award, below! Read more on O2 Silver Clefs
Jamal Edwards MBE will be honoured at the Music Industry Trust Awards 2022 The prestigious MITs Awards 2022 will honour Jamal Edwards MBE. Jamal will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to the music industry. As a music entrepreneur, DJ and founder of the multifaceted music platform SB.TV. Read more about the MITs Tickets now available for Legends of Rugby 2023 The star-studded Legends of Rugby event will once again return, to bring music and rugby together! Raising vital funds for Nordoff Robbins. Congratulations to the 2023 Legends, Alex Goode and Emily Scarratt. Book your exclusive table, below! Buy Legends of Rugby tickets Get your tickets to the Rock N Roll Circus in Newcastle this June We’ve partnered with Rock N Roll Circus! The all-new touring concept that will touch down in Newcastle this June. Enjoy Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Libertines, Years & Years – as well as a first class circus experience. All in aid of your favourite music charity! Buy Rock N Roll Circus tickets Our Summer School for music therapists returns in July 2022 Are you a music therapist? Join our online Summer School to learn more about the Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy. From workshops, seminars and discussions, to inputting on leading research. We’d love to see you there! Read more about Summer School
Thank youfor supporting Nordoff Robbins.
You are helping us to create a world where through music therapy, human potential is recognised, witnessed and celebrated – regardless of profound disability, illness or social exclusion.
This month Music for Dementia and UK Music released the Power of Music Report which outlines a blueprint to use music to help transform communities and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing. We also share Richard’s music therapy story and serve up a new episode of Behind the Base with PizzaExpress.
Power of Music Report Did you know music therapy reduces agitation and the need for medication in 67% of people with dementia? The Power of Music Report outlines some of the outstanding academic and scientific research which illustrates the true potential of music as a therapeutic and medical tool. Read the report
“He just began to flourish in music” Richard, a former singer, who suffered a life-threatening stroke last year, has rediscovered his voice thanks to music therapy sessions with Nordoff Robbins. Richard and his music therapist Jo spoke to ITV News Wales about the progress they made together. Watch on ITV News Behind the Base with L Devine Behind The Base with PizzaExpress returns with yet another musical talent. This month L Devine talks about about expression through songwriting, her first relationship and music that had strong influence, later taking to the stage to perform “Daughter”. Watch this episode Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust award Nordoff Robbins £4k We are delighted to announce that we have received £4,000 of grant funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to support music therapy at Erskine Care Home in Anniesland in the West of Scotland. Tell me more
Music therapist, Fraser Simpson, won the award on behalf of Nordoff Robbins for his work with our partners, Mountbatten Hospice. Mountbatten delivers hospice and end of life services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, supporting up to 3,000 people on any one day within their own homes, as well as in the hospices buildings.
Fraser’s online work at Mountbatten Hospice during the pandemic, and in particular a song-writing/recording project with Mountbatten Young Adults group and the combined Community Choirs of Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Hampshire, was one of 17 shortlisted projects to be nominated for this prestigious award.
Upon accepting the award, Fraser said:
“Thank you for this award, which I am overwhelmed to receive on behalf of Nordoff Robbins, for delivering a music therapy service at Mountbatten Hospices Isle of Wight and Southampton throughout the pandemic.
For many months, Mountbatten’s very active psycho-social programme (open to the entire local community) and day, self-help and rehabilitation services had to be delivered very differently – with many of these services being delivered virtually though online services and programmes. The music therapy service moved online, offering relief from the social isolation experienced by so many. Music did its magical work of connecting, uplifting, enlivening and enabling, despite the limitations of online working.”
Author, scriptwriter, podcaster & more…Mark Stay gives us the lowdown on his year and plans for 2022, plus some music, film & book recommendations…
The highs & lows of 2021… The highs… Going back to the movies has been great (even if we’re often the only people in the cinema wearing masks). We kicked it off by seeing the Lord of the Rings trilogy on the big screen, which our kids had never experienced before. Just magical.
Also managed to write more this year than any other. A couple of books, a few short stories, and a bunch of screenplays, and there’s also a TV thing happening that I can’t talk about. It’s been a productive year. I prefer to keep my head down and write rather than wail on social media these days. That’s where the lows are.
Read any good books lately… The audiobook of Rutger Bregman’s Humankind kept me sane over the summer. Humanity is not as bad as we make ourselves out to be. I can also recommend the audiobook of Seth Rogen’s Yearbook, which is hilarious, though your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for stoner stories. I’m in the middle of a proof copy of Caimh McDonnell’s This Charming Man, the second in his Stranger Times series, which is joyful page-turning, gripping fun. Highly recommended.
For research, I’m listening to Get Tusked, which is about Fleetwood Mac making the album Tusk after Rumours became the biggest album in the world. Things get a wee bit strained as you can imagine. For film nerds, I loved My Life as a Mankiewicz, by the late, great screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz. One of the most gleefully gossipy books about movies you’ll ever read.
Films & TV series you’d recommend a watch over the Christmas & New Year break… I know the Ted Lasso thing is in danger of being overblown, but it really is like a warm hug. I got into it during the second lockdown and it will help restore your faith in humanity. You can balance that with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia which we’re loving, though we can only watch one episode at a time as they’re such despicable people.
Only Murders in the Building is the best thing Steve Martin has done since Bowfinger, and as a whodunnit it really keeps you on the hook. I’m really looking forward to Peter Jackson’s Beatles three-part documentary Get Back. I suspect I’m going to be watching that on hard repeat.
In our house, Christmas officially starts when we all gather to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol, and there’s a rumour that Disney might finally be releasing the full version with the song When Love Is Found.
Heard any good music recently… Ocean to Ocean by Tori Amos is my favourite album of hers since Scarlett’s Walk. Some of the best stuff she’s ever done. Wet Leg are a cracking duo from the Isle of Wight. They’ve only released two songs — Chaise Longue and Wet Dream — and they’re both belters. I stumbled across the video for Rumors by Lizzo and Cardi B on Apple TV and it’s like an R-rated version of Disney’s Hercules. It has to be seen to be believed and the song is an instant classic. And as a longtime Floyd fan I was delighted to get the CD of the 2019 remix of A Momentary Lapse of Reason (MP3s just aren’t the same). To hear Nick and Rick on the album as they should always have been is a real treat.
What have you got planned for next year and beyond… Busy year in 2022. My new film Unwelcome comes out on St Patrick’s Day in the UK and the USA. And the third of the Witches of Woodville books — The Ghost of Ivy Barn — is out in May. Hoping to do more festivals and book events and actually meet people!
Anything else to add… Unwelcome Trailer:
You can discover more about The Witches of Woodville books and even get some free short stories here: https://witchesofwoodville.com
Taking place at 7pm on Tuesday 14th Dec 2021 at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea, the welcome return of the Nordoff Robbins Carol Service showcases a star-studded line up including Sir Rod Stewart – one of the most important and best-selling artists of all time, the magnetic Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May and chart-topping saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam. With Christmas carols sung by some of the music industry’s most celebrated artists, from music giants to and coming young talent, the evening will also feature a host of celebrities giving festive readings.* Tickets are available from carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk, priced £50.
Following the music therapy charity’s first virtual Christmas event in 2020, Nordoff Robbins is also offering music lovers who can’t attend the church the opportunity to come together to experience the Christmas magic by watching ‘The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas 2021’, hosted by the iconic Nile Rodgers. The free-to-view streamed concert will feature carols and readings from St Luke’s Church along with exclusive additional performances from stars around the world, which fans can access at 7pm GMT on Sunday 19th December via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk. Donations are encouraged throughout this very special festive evening to enable Nordoff Robbins’ dedicated music therapists to support those who need it most to experience the joy and power of music – helping communication and reducing isolation.
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy is delighted to have Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited as a funding partner for the second year.
The online concert will be supported by London Stock Exchange through streaming on its Issuer Services Spark (https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark). Spark is a digital platform that enables London Stock Exchange clients and partners to distribute a range of digital and thought leadership content.
Free online musical learning with FutureLearn There are two courses available, one focusing on learning more about music therapy and Nordoff Robbins, the other using music in a care setting. Amongst many other benefits, these free online courses could help you learn musical skills, understand the benefits of music and help the people you work with through using music. Find out more about the online courses The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns in November
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns on Saturday 13 November with performances from The Fratellis, Nathan Evans and Nina Nesbitt, live from Glasgow’s famous Barrowland.
And even if you’re not in Scotland, you can see some of Scotland’s finest musical talent and watch it live right from your home. Find out how you can watch the SMAs
Brand new epsisodes of our podcast out now
Presented by DJ Chris Hawkins and music therapist, Louise Gregg, Three Track Therapy is all about the power of music.
With stars such as Frank Turner, Colette Cooper and more, each episode sees a different musician open up about the importance of music and the three tracks that have had the biggest influence on their life. Listen to the latest episode today Open evening for our Master’s this Thursday (30 September)
If you’ve ever thought about a career in music therapy, or know someone who is interested, our open evenings are a great way to find out more and ask questions about the Master of Music Therapy programme, or the Sony Music Bursary. Sign up to the online open evening
On Stage at Home Live! is back for three online sessions
On Stage at Home Live! is back for three more online musical sessions on Monday 11 October,Monday 18 October and Monday 25 October. And not only will music therapist, Emily, Tiny and Small Clanger be involved, but we have a very special guest coming along too. So if you have children under 5, or know someone that does, why not come along, sing, clap and make some music with us. Find out more and sign up today
Musical resources for your home We want to add musical value to your life, which is why we’ve created a suite of musical resources for you, your family or friends which are inclusive and accessible to all.
Learn about our musical resources As a charity we receive no government funding, so we rely on the generosity and support of people like you, our supporters. Here are a few ways you can help Nordoff Robbins and the people we help. Fund music for others – you can make a one-off donation or become a regular giver to Nordoff Robbins here. Share your music therapy stories – We would love to hear your stories of how music therapy has helped you or a somebody you know.
You can share your story here. Spread the word – We would love you to share our news with your friends and family and encourage them to sign up to our newsletter. We hope you stay safe and are looking after yourself. The Nordoff Robbins team
It’s been a while since I wrote to you so I thought I’d let you know that real life gigs are slowly coming back! Yay! I thank all of you who watched my regular live streams which really helped me stay positive and keep ticking over during all this madness. Read on for details of new dates!
GIGS!!
I’m over the moon to have some gigs on my website again that don’t involve the words facebook or zoom! First up I’m back in my former home of Newcastle THIS SATURDAY! I can’t wait to be back – there are a few tickets left if you want to grab them. Here’s the full list as it stands for the rest of the year: JULY 10 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE Bobiks https://www.punchbowlnewcastle.com/event-details/dan-walsh
The pandemic put pay to the original plan of releasing my live album recorded in January 2020 with a big solo tour in April/May/June that year. Sorry for such a delayed release folks but the whole plan was to sell it at gigs so it seemed sensible to wait til gigs were back! However, be assured it will be out soon and another studio album is also in the works I’m pleased to say. Stay tuned!
PATREON
Just a reminder, my Patreon page is up and running and I’m really pleased with how it’s going. If you’re not a banjo player but like my stuff then the lowest tier is probably for you – three exclusive videos each month including an in-depth look at one of my numbers. The other two tiers are aimed at banjo players with four new tabs each month (two easier, two harder) and for the top tier, detailed video tutorials on each tab plus a look each month at a different area of banjo technique. Lots of other stuff posted for everyone too!
SKYPE TEACHING
Just to remind, my skype lessons are also still avilable! This is something I’ve been doing for a good nine years now and thanks to the wonders of the internet I’ve taught people in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Norway, Germany and here in England! Get in touch if you fancy a lesson – more details on the teaching page of my website: https://www.danwalshbanjo.co.uk/teachingandoutreach/
Thank you all so much for the continued support. It’s a crazy life I’ve chosen, and you all make it possible and I am forever grateful.
The second episode from We Are Listening, ‘Expression of Music’ is Studio Moross’ interpretation of music therapy through typography and graphic design. They have taken core beliefs used by Nordoff Robbins music therapists such as ‘We Are Listening’, ‘Faith in Music’ and ‘Music for Good’.Click here to see episode two of We Are Listening
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Summer School 2021
For a second year running, our international summer school for music therapists will be held online between 19 – 22 July 2021. It includes workshops in musical techniques, sharing music therapy work and seminars discussing music therapy.Click here to find out more about our Summer School
SSE charity raffle for Nordoff Robbins
SSE are running a charity raffle with all proceeds going to Nordoff Robbins. There are some brilliant prizes up for grabs, including VIP packages to the likes of Blondie, Queen and Adam Lambert, Kaiser Chiefs, a signed Tom Walker guitar and a Roger Waters soundwaves art, plus much more. And tickets are just £5 each.Click here to buy a ticket at the SSE charity raffle
The BRIT Awards 2021
The BRIT Awards 2021 will be one of the first major indoor music events to celebrate the return to live music, with a special audience of invited key workers. It will take place on 11 May at The O2 arena in London, and to be broadcast live on ITV.Click here to read more about the BRIT Awards 2021
Musical resources for your home
We want to add musical value to your life, which is why we’ve created a suite of musical resources for you, your family or friends which are inclusive and accessible to all. If you’d like to learn an instrument we also have our Accessible Music Learning available. Learn about our musical resourcesAs a charity we receive no government funding, so we rely on the generosity and support of people like you, our supporters. Here are a few ways you can help Nordoff Robbins and the people we help.
Share your music therapy stories – We would love to hear your stories of how music therapy has helped you or a somebody you know. You can share your story here.
Spread the word – We would love you to share our news with your friends and family and encourage them to sign up to our newsletter.
The idea is to have a whole host of gigs/events mention via their social media posts the work of the Nordoff Robbins charity on and around the 8 February each year
Fifty Gigs In A Day 