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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 |
Tag Archives: #50gigsinaday
Nordoff Robbins – April update on all things music
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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 |
The Taerks Christmas Sunday session Sunday 12 December at 4PM EST/9pm BST

Plus broadcast live on GRTR! Radio
You better watch out, and you better not cry cause Taerkie Clause is coming to town! We’re doing a special Holiday edition of our GRTR! Sunday Sessions streaming live on Facebook and Get Ready To Rock! Radio!
How was 2021 for you…Mark Stay
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
September update from Nordoff Robbins
![]() ![]() 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 |
New survey reveals how music has helped the UK survive lockdown
According to a new survey published this week by UK Music and taken by pollsters Public First, music has played an integral role in reducing the stresses of the majority of UK citizens over lockdown.

It was the largest poll performed since the music industry’s initial closure back in March 2020, and was orchestrated to find out what role music played in the lives of the British public during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The key findings of the wide-ranging poll revealed:
- 57% of adults said music had helped them cope with lockdown
- Around one million adults say they have taken up an instrument during lockdown
- 71% think music makes them more productive at work/studying (From a personal perspective music & shows on BBC Sounds have kept me focussed at work & WFH. It helps my anxiety issues so much – in a good way!)
The Importance of Live Music & Venues To The Nation:
- Despite Covid-19, 43% of the public are interested in going to a live concert, gig or festival this year
- Two-thirds (66%) said they planned to attend as many or even more gigs than before Covid-19 hit
- Among 18-24 year-olds, 38% say going to a music festival or gig is one of the things they are most looking forward to
- Almost half the public (45%) are worried about the financial viability of their local music venues due to the impact of Covid-19
DAN WALSH gigs news 2021
Dear all, 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!! |
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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 AUGUST 06 ALSTONEFIELD Memorial Hall (with Brooks Williams, Tom McConville and Nic Zuppardi) https://www.wegottickets.com/event/499009 07 ALSTONEFIELD Downhome Festival https://www.wegottickets.com/event/489509 18 MORECAMBE (AND ONLINE) More Music https://moremusic.org.uk/ (exact ticket link for the event shortly) 22 WHITSTABLE Whitstable Sessions (with Brooks Williams) https://www.whitstablesessions.co.uk/ses…/brooks-williams/ SEPTEMBER 04 WOODBRIDGE Maverick Festival https://maverickfestival.co.uk/ 10 BRISTOL Folk House (with Della Mae) https://bristolbeacon.org/shows/della-mae-2021/ 12 SHIPLEY Live Room (with Della Mae) https://www.seetickets.com/…/the-live-room…/1717529… 16 YORK Black Swan Folk Club http://www.blackswanfolkclub.org.uk/ 17 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE The Globe (with Alistair Anderson) https://theglobenewcastle.bar/…/alistair-anderson-dan…/ 18 DUNBAR Music School (with Alistair Anderson) ticket link coming soon 23 CRAIL Folk Club (with Alistair Anderson) https://www.crailfolkclub.org.uk/ 29 STAFFORD Pocket Film Festival (live accompaniment to silent films!) http://www.unseencinema.co.uk/ OCTOBER 10 WALTON-ON-THAMES Riverhouse Barn https://thelittleboxoffice.com/riverhouse/book/event/140632 16 HARTLEPOOL Folk Festival (Urban Folk Quartet) https://www.hartlepoolfolkfest.co.uk/ 21 FAREHAM Ashcroft Arts https://www.ashcroft.org.uk/ 22 NEW MILTON Forest Arts https://www.forest-arts.co.uk/ 23 ALDERSHOT West End Centre https://www.westendcentre.co.uk/ |
NEW ALBUMS ON THE WAY |
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 |
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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. Best wishes, Danjo |
Nordoff Robbins news April 2021
Introducing episode 2/10 of ‘We Are Listening’

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.
- 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.
Sunday Sessions 1 year anniversary
Join Josh Taerk and his brothers Matt and Ryan for an all requests Sunday Sessions on Sunday April 25th at 9pm BST and 4pm EST.
“Matt used his voice for the first time”
“Matt used his voice for the first time” – Matthew’s story |
In his twenties, Matthew sustained a brain injury in a motorbike accident that caused multiple physical injuries, problems with speech and language and more. Here’s his music therapy story. |
Autism Awareness Week – 29 March – 4 April |
Autism Awareness Week is this week and we’ll be showing how important music can be for people on the autistic spectrum. For more information and advice on how to get involved use the button below. |
Amazon Smile – donate to Nordoff Robbins as you shop |
Nordoff Robbins presents Share the Stage – starting 7 April |

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 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. |
Wet Wet Wet livestream on Saturday 17 April |
In association with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charity, Wet Wet Wet will stream an exclusive one hour online show at 7.30pm on Saturday 17 April 2021. Use the button below to buy tickets. |
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 |