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
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.
Slade’s Don Powell has gathers up around 20 of his drumming mates for a new charity song to raise funds for out of work musicians and crew sidelined by the pandemic.
Slade II member Craig Fenney ran the original idea beside Don who recruited his mate, ELO’s Bev Bevan, and then watched more than a dozen other drummers come to the party.
Guest Drummers Brian Bennett: The Shadows Bev Bevan: Quill, ex Move, ex ELO, ex Black Sabbath Andy Edwards: Robert Plant, IQ, Frost, Rob Brian: Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, Siouxsie Sioux Jamie Little: Jason Donovan, Beverley Knight, Steve Vai Karl Brazil: Robbie Williams, James Blunt Tom Meadows: Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud, Jamie Morrison: The Stereophonics Craig Bacon: Gloria Gaynor, Nimmo Brothers Mickey Barker: Second Vision, Magnum, Bernie Marsden and KoM Derrick McKenzie: Jamiroquai Matt Cowley: Emily Capell, Bernie Marsden Lee Agnew: Nazareth Craig Blundell: Steve Wilson, Steve Hackett ’Sticky’ Wicket: Chris Barber, Jools Holland Richard Rayner: Multiple award winning percussion and drum performer Rebekah Rayner: Session drummer Toby Wilson: Session drummer Mark DeCloedt: EMF
Dr Alex George is an A&E & TV doctor. He has been working in A&E as an emergency doctor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a well-known and respected figure amongst healthcare professionals in the UK, bringing the nation accessible and reassuring advice directly from the frontline.
Alex is on a mission to make mental health education compulsory in schools, and has become prolific throughout the UK in his campaigning with charities such as YoungMinds, Anna Freud Centre & Mind, witha goal to ensure mental health sits alongside the likes of Maths and English on the curriculum. Alex has now been appointed by the Prime Minister as Youth Mental Health Ambassador to the government.
Alex is a resident presenter on ITV’s Lorraine, has presented for Watchdog and also appeared on Celebrity Masterchef. Alex is also a fully qualified Level 3 PT.
Find out more about Dr Alex: Instagram @dralexgeorge Twitter @dralexgeorge TikTok @dralexgeorge YouTube: Dr Alex George
During long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Our research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health. Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%. Wider studies also found that during lockdowns, people not only spent more time in nature but were noticing it more.
It was as if we were re-discovering at our most fragile point our fundamental human need to connect with nature.
Nature and our mental health
Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature. And it is only since a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster, that science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits.
During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. We will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. We will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.
Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.
Despite this, many of us are not accessing or benefitting from nature. Teenagers in particular appear to be less connected with nature and around 13% of UK households have no access to a garden. We want to challenge the disparities in who is and who isn’t able to experience nature. Nature is not a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads. Local and national governments need to consider their role in making this a reality for everyone, and we will be talking about how they can do so during the week.
What are the goals for the week?
We have two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.
2021 is going be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.
There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.
What you can do
Stories are the best tools we have to influence change. Unless we can demonstrate nature’s role in bringing solace and joy to our lives, it will remain under-valued and under-utilised.
We want to hear your stories of how nature has supported your mental health. This might be as a simple as tending to a house plant, listening to the birds, touching the bark of trees, smelling flowers or writing a poem about our favourite nature spot.
Whatever it is for you, we invite you to #ConnectWithNature and share what this means for you.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, we are asking you to do three things:
Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
My experiences…
I have given much thought about whether to post publically about my anxiety, not something a fiftysomething is overly keen to chat about! This graphic below is one of the best examples of showing what anxiety looks and feels like. You don’t necessarily have all of these feelings and emotions, as everyone gets anxious at times. The difference for me and many others is that we can’t stop thinking about scenarios in our heads, worrying about what people will think and say about what we will say and do.
‘Second guessing’ is one of my personal habits that is annoying to me, yet I find it very difficult not to. I am more than often trying to say or do what the person I am interacting with hopes I will say or do. It gets very tiring mentally and you never really switch off. However, four things have helped me greatly…my loving wife & family who understand my anxiety; music as it helps distract and focus my mind away from running through endless scenarios and worries; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques to help when I for example feel a panic attack coming on; and finally nature and the great outdoors.
The latter I enjoy simply by walks, observing the changing wildlife and flora or just by pottering about in the garden. Even in a city you can seek out nature, be it by a walk around a nearby park, looking out for bird life and wildlife near to you, looking at any trees local to you – tree hugging optional 😉 You can reach out to people and the biggest step is asking for some help or even recognising you need to tackle your mental health.
One of the last great taboos in our society is mental health and it doesn’t have to be. Join in this year’s Mental Health Awareness week and find out more here
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.
“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 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
Through Amazon Smile, every time you shop on Amazon a charity of your choosing will receive a donation from each purchase, at no extra cost to you. It’s super easy, all you need to do is set your chosen charity and shop.
Nordoff Robbins presents Share the Stage – starting 7 April
Share the Stage is an online community space for musicians to share music, ideas and experiences. There is a virtual Jam Night on Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month, starting on 7 April. More details will be posted in the group and it is open to all members to either perform or spectate.
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.
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
It’s starting to feel a lot more like spring outside, and with the different parts of the UK mapping our way out of lockdown, we’re looking forward to providing more face-to-face music therapy and bringing together our musical communities in person.
“What a gift Hannah’s music was to Levi” – Levi’s story
Levi is five years old, lives with anxiety and has trouble socially interacting. To help with this, he was recommended Nordoff Robbins music therapy.
Sadly, he lost his Grandad shortly before his music therapy started. His Grandad used to play the ukulele and guitar for him, so this was a huge loss musically as well as in every other way.
He has now been having sessions with music therapist, Hannah, for a year. Here’s what Levi’s mum, Laura has had to say.
We love to hear about how music therapy has helped you or someone you know, or how music has helped you through the past year. If you would like to share your music story with us then please use the button below.
On Stage at Home Live! Would your child like to make music with the Clangers?
We’re back making music with BBC children’s TV show, Clangers, on Wednesday 3 March, 10:00am. The Clangers are a family of loveable, pink, mouse-like creatures who communicate in whistles and live in space on their Little Blue Planet.
This time we’re putting on a live online (Zoom) music making session for children (under 5) and their parents to sing, clap and move along to, led by our music therapist, Emily, and Tiny and Small Clanger.
If you know someone who would like to join On Stage at Home Live! then sign up below, we’d love to see you there.
We’ve created brand new, fun, interactive music making video resources for children to be used at home (or school). They are all fully accessible and made specifically for children and young people to make music with our music therapists.
There’s something for everyone with five different activities and 20 videos, including music making, sensory music time, singing and signing, mindful music and Lou’s digital music makers.
Got a taste for whisky? Join our virtual whisky tasting evening on 25 March
Join us on Thursday 25 March, 7:15pm for a virtual whisky tasting fundraiser from Seamus Bar, Isle of Skye.
You don’t have to be a whisky expert to join in, it is open for anyone who enjoys the taste or simply wants to experience an evening of whisky tasting.
There’s a lovely line up of whisky (from Glenfiddich to Balvenie) and all proceeds will go towards helping us to provide more music therapy to vulnerable people across the UK.
The long-standing Legends of Rugby event in aid of Nordoff Robbins, which sees the world of rugby and music come together in a celebration of one of England’s Rugby heroes, will take place virtually on Friday 26 February 2021.
To run alongside the event, they are running a virtual auction with some really cool prizes.
So, if you fancy getting your hands on a Ronnie Wood or Jimi Hendrix print, sports memorabilia, hospitality sports packages or even a Michelin star meal then check out the Legends of Rugby auction today.
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards 2020 shortlisted at the Digital Awards
We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for the Best Digital Fundraising Event at this year’s Digital Awards.
The virtual ceremony saw some of Scotland’s biggest stars come together and raised over £90,000 to help us to carry on providing music therapy in the middle of the pandemic.
Don’t worry if you missed it, they’ll be a very special edition coming out soon, so keep your eyes peeled as we’ll be sharing more in the March newsletter.
Ways Nordoff Robbins can help you
At Nordoff Robbins we want to bring musical value to your life. The power of music has never been more important than during lockdown, where many of us find ourselves isolated from friends and family. Below are musical resources for you, your family or friends which are fully inclusive and accessible to all. On Stage at Home Live! – Join us and the Clangers live on Wednesday 3 March, 10:00 am for a live online music making session for preschool children. Sign up here today, there are only limited spaces available.Music Making – Brand new musical resources for children to use at home. Fully inclusive and accessible, there are over 20 interactive music making sessions available. Find out more here.Inclusive online choir – Our inclusive online choir runs every Tuesday from 4pm and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. If you’d like to find out more or get involved click here.Singalongs – Singing is an essential means of staying well, of promoting social bonds and strengthening communities. Our music therapists have created a suite of singalong packages to suit people of all ages and abilities. Click here to view our Singalong packages.Musical Conversations – Musical Conversations give you the opportunity to talk about music with one of our music therapists – who are all musicians and understand the importance of music in everyday life. Find out more here.
Ways you can help Nordoff Robbins
As a charity we receive no government funding, so we rely on the generosity and support of people like you, our supporters. 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.
As we move into March, we’re bringing you some heart-warming stories that are guaranteed to brighten up your day! From Tiara’s wish for a bedroom makeover to the re-starting of wish visits, 2021 is already filling us with positivity!
Tiara’s Princess Bedroom Makeover
Four-year-old Tiara, from Llanelli in Wales, has never had her own room before.
Tiara was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and so for her safety, her family all share one bedroom. But a princess needs her space and somewhere to hang all those dresses.
Amelia, 19, wishes to give a TEDx talk about the language we use when talking about a cancer diagnosis. In particular, the words ‘fighting’ and ‘battle’.
Coronavirus stopped wish visits in their tracks last March, leaving nearly 100 seriously ill children waiting to discuss their once in a lifetime wish. But we’re pleased to announce that our volunteer Wish Visitors can now carry out those visits safely again – via video call.
Lynn is just one of those volunteers. Thanks to her support, other children whose wishes are waiting will now start moving along their wish journey.
Charlie’s Superhero sprints raise over £700!
To help grant wishes, Charlie (5) is running 500m everyday in February, dressed as a different superhero. Soaring above his target of £500, he is already up to an amazing £790.
We’d like to thank Charlie for being committed to helping other children. He’s the best kind of superhero, a #WishHero!Check out his costumes
Are you looking to challenge yourself?
You can join us on 31st May 2021 for the capital’s most inspiring 10km; Vitality London 10,000.
On the day, it will be socially distanced and you’ll be helping to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
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
The long-standing Legends of Rugby event in aid of Nordoff Robbins, which sees the world of rugby and music come together in a celebration of one of England’s Rugby heroes, will take place virtually on Friday 26 February 2021.