MUSICAL IMPROVISATION

A four-week evening course exploring musical improvisation and the fundamentals of music and interaction. The course is active and practical – we will be making music together most of the time! We aim to develop your awareness, freedom and technique in musical improvisation. The course is suitable for people with all levels and types of musical experience, from experienced musicians to those with little or no previous experience.

Dates: 6.00 - 8.00pm Tuesday 5, 12, 26 June and 3 July  2018
Location: Nordoff Robbins London Centre, 2 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1PQ
Cost: £120 (concession for full time students and unwaged £70

To book a place please email us with your contact details (full name, contact number, email address) at education@nordoff-robbins.org.uk.

For more details on all of our upcoming short courses, visit our Short Courses Page

CORPORATE ASSISTANT

Do You LOVE music? If so we have an exciting new opportunity for someone to join the partnerships team here at Nordoff Robbins, the largest charitable provider of music therapy services in the UK.

The person we are looking for is creative, confident, enthusiastic, energetic LOVES music, and would like to work as part of a successful fundraising team.

The Corporate Assistant plays a vital role in developing and maintaining relationships and income streams with new and existing partners. From assisting the Corporate Partnerships Manager with the logistical delivery of all aspects of the partnerships fundraising portfolio, to individually stewarding certain partnership relationships and fundraising campaigns, the Corporate Assistant will play a crucial role in the fundraising team.

Based in the London Headquarters in Kentish Town, designed from the ground up to focus on music therapy and featuring beautiful modern music rooms, this is a truly inspiring work space that would really suit someone looking to work in a non-traditional charity environment.

It is also vital that the post holder has empathy for the work Nordoff Robbins does; and is motivated by their cause, which is to transform lives through music.

If you believe you have all the requirements for this role, and you would like to join Nordoff Robbins in the position of Corporate Assistant, please apply below with your CV and a covering letter. The position closes on 18th May 2018, with interviews being held on Friday 25th May 2018.
 

Salary: £21,150 plus £1,500 London Weighting

Download job description here

Robert, 53, has Down’s syndrome, and lives at Ferndale Lodge, a specialist care home in Huddersfield, where he is given the support he needs day to day. 

Robert spends a lot of time in his room, as he has a heightened need for personal space and he can become agitated by objects too close to him and noise from other people. He also has many phobias – including any kind of transport, which greatly limits his interaction with others, and leaves him at times very isolated. 

This is why music therapy has come to be so important to him.  

Being non-verbal means that Robert relies on limited noises and facial expressions to make his needs and feelings known – but in music, these barriers are removed. During sessions Robert is always smiling, happy and laughing, and most importantly he can be vocal without the need for words. He becomes pro-active and independent, and makes choices with instruments that allow him to join in and communicate in his own way. 

Robert often needs a lot of encouragement to join in activities at the home, but for music therapy he will leave his bedroom, socialise and integrate with other residents and participate both pro-actively and independently. 

In music therapy, Robert has learnt to tolerate objects and musical instruments next to him, playing them happily, and crucially he has also learnt to tolerate loud noises and sounds, often contributing to their making!

Robert has become much more engaged – he makes eye contact, listens, responds and actively participates in sessions. In music, Robert has found a platform for expression and creativity, which requires no words, and focuses solely on what he can do, giving him a very real and very important sense of worth, and that is such a joy to see. 

Alan, music therapist

This May Bank Holiday weekend marked a milestone in Nordoff Robbins history as we delivered our very first music therapy sessions out of our dedicated new music therapy centre in Newcastle - the first of its kind outside of London.

As the largest and leading UK music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins is dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people by offering support through our own centres and by working in a range of partnership settings including care homes, schools and hospitals.

When delivered by a trained practitioner music therapy can be used to support people living who have a variety of needs and can aid communication and expression.

The new centre, was opened in March by music superstar Sting. Funded by the Graham Wylie Foundation and based at the former matron’s lodge at Newcastle’s Fleming Hospital, the centre is run by Nordoff Robbins to primarily support children and young people from across the region.

At the opening Sting said: "I am the perfect example of the effectiveness of music therapy, I say this because without music I am not sure of what my life would be like"

Hannah Ashman, the Nordoff Robbins music therapist who led this weekend's sessions said “It’s been such an honour to be delivering sessions here today and great to meet the families who we will be working with. The day was really positive and we are very excited to see how things develop over the coming weeks.”

Accessing Nordoff Robbins Services in Newcastle

To enquire about music therapy at the Newcastle centre please contact Beverley Rayner 07553 607921

“Music therapy can provide opportunities for people to have their voice heard – this is a fundamental human need and one that many refugees arriving here after fleeing danger and turmoil in their own country feel they have lost, along with everything else,”

Toni Beardsall, Nordoff Robbins music therapist.

Toni works with refugees and asylum seekers at the Revive drop-in centre in Salford. Many of the refugees at the centre have been imprisoned or tortured in their home countries, and a lot of the women have experienced domestic violence, forced marriage, or female genital mutilation. It is not uncommon for people here to experience mental health difficulties, and many have suffered loss or trauma, and can feel a sense of isolation in a new and foreign place.

Through individual and group sessions, Toni uses music therapy to help to build the refugees’ confidence and self-esteem, by enabling them to explore, experiment and take risks through music that are acknowledged, valued and engaged with. Toni works with a combination of music from people’s home countries, alongside pop music they enjoy in the UK, and improvisation – where she supports individuals to develop their own ways of being musical.

Esther* is from a country in Southern Africa and her musical heritage is a strong force within her. She faces uncertainty in her life surrounding her health, when she will be able to return to her family and what the future will bring. She has little control over whether she will even be allowed to travel home, and life is a continual wait for news from the Home Office. But there is certainty in her voice as she sings – and she too can hear it when she and Toni listen back to their sessions.

No longer a lone voice, Esther’s experience of herself is increasingly confident when navigating new and untrodden melodic paths, not only supported by the music therapist’s voice, but constantly invited to explore and being subtly challenged to take risks. It is a different experience of herself, and one that highlights her own strength, both in voice and spirit. Steering her voice around Toni's requires Esther to be in the present moment – a momentary relief from thinking about the past or the future, and in a space where she can focus on the support she encounters in music therapy. In music therapy, Esther can be adventurous, explorative, confident and physically strong. The music therapist can invite, challenge and nurture this strength. In music, Esther is well.

Abi Hill, Social Worker at Revive, said: “I’m really happy that we can offer music therapy. It breaks down language barriers, cultural barriers, and it’s a release from the everyday pressures that our service users have. Some have mental health problems, a lot of them are worried about their immigration status and asylum status, and just having that space to express themselves through music is lovely.

“It really helps some people to express what feelings and associated triggers they may have, and music therapy is another avenue for them to get out the negative trauma. I often see service users smiling when they come out, and I’ve seen families who are struggling coming to Toni with their children and doing a group session – it’s a positive experience for them, and the children love playing with the instruments.”

Toni added: “The experience I have had in my work at Revive has really given me an insight into the significance of the value of music therapy for this vulnerable group of people, and it has fuelled a passion for trying to raise awareness of this so that similar projects can be made possible.”

Revive is an independent community project, providing free practical support, services and advocacy for refugees and people seeking asylum, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, age or beliefs.

* Name changed for confidentiality purposes

Our Director of Music Services, Simon Procter, writes - for mental health awareness week 2018:

Life can be tough in many ways and all of us find our mental resilience being challenged at times. For some people this results in a psychiatric diagnosis, perhaps accompanied by admission to hospital, whilst for others it is a matter of finding ways to stay afloat as happily and healthily as possible without hospitalisation or medication.

Lots of people find it helpful to listen to music that they find meaningful or which reminds them of good times or people and places they love. For others, music is a means of building and sustaining healthy social connections – e.g. by playing with friends in a band, singing in a choir or taking opportunities to learn a musical skill. But sometimes people need a bit more help than this in accessing music’s help and this is where music therapy comes in.

Mental illness impacts on people’s lives in many ways, but there is a musical dimension to mental wellbeing and hence also to mental illness. Some people’s illness causes them to come across as chaotic and disorganised. Others seem trapped in rigidity. Mental illness also affects the way people are able to communicate – for example, becoming “flat” in their affect or “hyper” and unable to regulate themselves in relation to others. Music therapists will work musically with people in these situations to offer them a sense of musical companionship when other forms of companionship may be hard to experience or endure. Furthermore, they will endeavour to offer the person experiences of themselves which go beyond the limitations of the pathology – enabling someone who is trapped in rigidity to experience the freedom of music-making, or someone who is disorganised to experience the organisation of the beat and musical structure. And of course, for someone who finds expression all but impossible, being drawn into musical expressiveness (with no words required) can be a very powerful experience.

Music therapists work in hospitals, in outpatient services and also in community organisations alongside other professionals and service users. Many people tell us how surprised they are by the meaningfulness of music making and how this can motivate them to get out of bed in the morning to get to their music therapy session, to work at things in music when work otherwise seems too daunting, and to trust their music therapist when it is really hard to trust anyone.

Mary had been living alone with long-term depression before coming to music therapy at a local community centre. There she was stunned to find herself singing – at first tentatively with her therapist and later more confidently with a larger group. Eventually she was part of working towards a performance, a process which gave her considerable confidence, and which in turn helped her to re-enter the world of work and wider social interactions.

Marcus came across music therapy when admitted to hospital during a psychotic episode. In that state, words weren’t useful, and his behaviour drove other people away, but in music he was much more capable of interaction and creativity. On leaving hospital, he took up DJing: now he’s careful to keep taking his medication in order to stay well enough to DJ.

Steve had played in bands as a teenager but stopped when first work and then addiction caused him to become socially isolated. His music therapist helped him reconnect with his songwriting: together they worked at putting his ideas together and as Steve’s confidence grew, the therapist started recording the songs and joining in on various instruments. The two of them performed the songs for other people and as Steve grew more confident, the therapist was less and less needed. Now Steve has a full and busy life with no drugs but lots of music: a big fan of Pink Floyd, he describes himself as “less comfortably numb, more meaningfully occupied”.

MUSIC SERVICES ASSISTANT

We are currently looking for an experienced Music Services Assistant who will play an important role in the charity’s Music Services operation team by delivering effective administration and staffing of our reception area.

The post holder will work closely with the National Music Services Co-ordinator to ensure that the reception function is well run and that clients, visitors and callers have a positive experience when they spend time with us. Many of our visitors lead challenging lives and include vulnerable children and adults, therefore this role will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

This is a varied role, you will be the first point of contact for visitors. The ideal candidate is friendly, organised with an excellent telephone manner and interpersonal communication skills, is confident in the use of the internet, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook and has a high level of attention to detail. 

To apply, please send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification for this role to HR@nordoff-robbins.org.uk by no later than 5.00 pm on Friday 25th May 2018. 

Location:          Kentish Town

Hours:              Part-time 3 days per week

Salary:              £12,781 pa includes London Weighting

Download job description here

We were really excited recently when we found out that our world-leading Music Therapy Centre in London had been nominated for two of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors annual Awards!

The nominations were in the categories of Design Through Innovation and Community Benefit - so it was a big honour for us, and also of course, for our architects, Bradley Van Der Straeten to be recognised.

Competition was high, with the our Centre up against the likes of the Norman Forster's new Bloomberg Building, the Bridge Theatre and the Garden Museum, but we are thrilled to announce that we were winners in the category of Community Benefit!

The RICS Awards are put on annually by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors across a series of regional heats. The London region awards were held at the Royal Lancaster hotel, and were attended by our Director of Finance and Operations, Chris Dew, Sarah Cosby, who led last year's redevelopment of the Centre, and our architects.

Chris said:

This is great recognition for Nordoff Robbins, our architects, and for the careful consideration, hard work and planning that went into every step of the redevelopment of our London Centre to ensure the space and design met the specific needs of our diverse beneficiaries. 

It is a reminder of how fortunate we are to be sharing space with beneficiaries in our world-leading music therapy centre here in London.

We are very grateful to all involved in making the redevelopment of the Centre such a success.

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At Nordoff Robbins, we believe in the life-changing power of music and music therapy, and its ability to reach even the most vulnerable and isolated people in our society. We are committed to championing the key issues around the social value of music, and the impact music therapy can have on mental health and wellbeing.

Following our roundtable on music and mental health, input from participants, and our own and independent research, we are delighted to share this policy position, which outlines our commitment to music and music therapy for mental health and wellbeing.

Read our policy position here

Our commitment

Our mission is to provide life-changing music therapy services to those who need them most. We are committed to ensuring this is possible for mental health and wellbeing, through:

• Continuing our core commitment that our music therapy services are accessible to vulnerable and isolated people. In addition to our work in social, medical and educational settings, we support thousands of people for free through our open access centres across the UK.
• Raising awareness of the positive impact of music therapy on mental health and wellbeing through advocacy and research. We will provide clear and rigorous evidence of this to commissioners and policy-makers, to support the case for music therapy as part of a holistic approach to healthcare, and champion the need for sustainability and funding for music therapy services.
• Advocating for the importance of music education in schools, promoting equality in access, and the value and benefits of music making for students – as a fundamental tool that can support mental health and wellbeing and provide key life skills, including learning to work with others, speech and language development, and social interaction.
• Opening up the debate on music, music therapy and mental health to a broad range of contributors, to consider the value of music and its wider social impact. We will provide a united space for collaboration, ideas, partnership working and thought leadership, to frame and build debate, as well as contributing to broader debates on the arts in health and wellbeing.

We are kindly supported in this work by our roundtable partner, BPI. 

Read our policy position here

Find out more about our roundtable on mental health and wellbeing here. 

We’re delighted to share that last year we delivered 29,725 music therapy sessions to 7,916 beneficiaries – reaching more people in more places than ever before.

We have just published our new 2017 Annual Review, and you can read more about this and our other milestones inside, including the opening of our newly refurbished, world-leading music therapy centre in London, and our new centre in Newcastle.

We also explored the impact of our music therapy services on beneficiaries, their family members, carers and staff at a cross-section of our partner organisations and open access centres, and were so pleased to see an increase on last year’s already very positive impact figures.

95% people said music therapy helped improve their interaction, communication and relationships

91% said it improved their quality of life and wellbeing

You can also find out more about the beneficiaries who are the heart of our music therapy work – including Betsy, Robert, Esther and Laura – and read about their journeys with music. As Betsy’s mum Rochelle says, “Music therapy has boosted Betsy’s self-esteem and encouraged her passion for music. This makes us so happy because Betsy has such a wonderful imagination and vocabulary – and music therapy is helping her to thrive.”  

We support thousands of people in our own centres and by working in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including care homes, schools and hospitals. Music therapy can help a child with autism to communicate, enable someone with dementia to regain their sense of identity, or provide comfort to someone facing terminal illness.

Read the Annual Review 2017 here.

Sport requests a great deal of sacrifice from its participants. The eternal winter nights enduring hill sprints in tempestuous rain opposed to nights in with the family, the quinoa and lentils instead of quattro formaggi pizzas, the extra £50 for those boots with a jazzy ankle sock instead of heating and electricity. Yet when its rewards are as resplendent and prestigious as the Nordoff Robbins Cup, such sacrifices seem as trivial as Melania Trump’s, well, anything.

Selhurst Park, the scene for the Cup's showdown, was at its finest. While the obstinate overcast conditions attempted to freeze the fingers and toes of our tireless volunteers and supporters, they provided ideal football conditions. Thus, the stage was set, all it needed now was its performers.

Throughout the group games, electric performances of ‘liquid football’ [Partridge, 1994] were omnipresent across the two 7-a-side pitches, most notably of which was the inexplicable handstand from Nordoff Robbins’ senior caretaker-cum-goalkeeper extraordinaire after a particularly heroic save, instigating petrified looks from our first-aiders.

The competition was ferocious, with both groups hanging on the tenterhooks of their respective final games to see who would progress to the semis. Despite valiant efforts from Blou Construction (including a golden boot winning performance from “Handsome Ben” AKA “The Ben that’s not Ben Knowles”), Marsh & Parsons, Connor Broadley, and even Nordoff Robbins themselves…triggering fears from tournament organisers that were they to win the tournament they would become embroiled in the Russia and Qatar corruption scandals, the four victorious teams to progress were BW Workplace Experts, The O2, Hard Rock Café, and last year’s champions Close Brothers.

After altering the pitch to accomodate full sized 11-a-side semi finals & finals, and following delays resulting from Hard Rock Café controversial pre-game superstitions of requiring a full buffet before their semi-final, we were underway for a couple of bona fide crackers.

BW and Close Brothers’ clash was everything football should be: tense, pugnacious and gorgeously punctual. BW’s clinical display was rewarded with an opening goal before our perfunctory officials played a crucial role, firstly denying Close Brother’s equaliser with an offside call, to later award them a penalty that will have BW debating in those fancy new offices for years to come. The penalty was calmly slotted to tie the game, which concluded in the only reasonable way thinkable to separate this Galatian battle: an old fashioned shootout. The penalties were excruciatingly nerve-wracking, the tension before the final shot such that the only noise to be heard was the sound of various hamstrings screaming, imploring their recalcitrant owners to at least attempt a warm-up and/or down. But it would be title-defending Close Brothers to arise victorious, with a noteworthy goalkeeping display from Tom Ralph so brilliant he's consequently earned an England call up and is currently flying to Russia with Gareth Southgate laughing at Joe Hart memes.

The second semi-final was a more straightforward affair, with the nefarious Hard Rock Café, fuelled from a buffet-filled rest, taking to The O2 with veracity that could not be matched. Their 2-0 victory set up an exhilarating final with Close Brothers that stoked up the pantomime like crowd to feverish excitement.

The final’s opening ten minutes were painstakingly cautious, with neither side willing to bargain an inch. This would all change when Close Brothers’ left wing Enrico Smith controlled a delicious ball via a sneaky faux-free kick that burrowed its way underneath a jumping Hard Rock Café wall. The ball was slotted with cucumber-esque coolness into the top corner to unabashed elation from the crowd; Smith even taking to straddling a wholly unbiased Nordoff Robbins assistant (to the) director of football in celebration while surrounded by the ecstatic Close Brothers squad. Following a few tense, blood-pressure rocketing, hour-like-minutes with Hard Rock Café desperately negotiating any form of reply, a second Close Brothers attacking gambit saw them 2-0 up, instigating an inevitable head-dropping from their hardy opponents. From there it was a smooth cruise towards Close Brothers' title retention, making it two notches on the Nordoff Robbins bedpost in as many years.

In addition to the brilliant footballing displays, most importantly the tournament’s fundraising targets were smashed, meaning thousands of the most vulnerable and isolated people are able to receive life-changing music therapy and experience the incommunicable joy of playing music, so a massive thank you is extended to everyone that helped and took part.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the constant help and support from Crystal Palace FC and Nordoff Robbins’ volunteers (particular shoutout to Jo from The O2 who lent an extra pair of freezing hands for pitchside help). Massive thanks also go to the legend that is Mark Bright who came down to support and hand out all the prizes and trophy at the end.

Thank you to all that competed we hope you had a great time, and we can't wait to see you all next year to find out if anyone can topple the Close Brothers dynasty.

On 21 May, we were delighted to host the third Nordoff Robbins roundtable, on music and dementia, in partnership with the Salford Institute for Dementia, for Dementia Action Week.

The roundtable explored the social value of music and the therapeutic impact of music for dementia, with participants coming together from across the political, research, health, music and music therapy communities to weigh in on these important issues. We were very thankful to Hazel Blears, Chair of Salford Institute for Dementia, for chairing the discussion, and to MPs Kate Green and Debbie Abrahams, and Prof Alistair Burns CBE, for their valuable contributions.

Nordoff Robbins Director of External Affairs, Communications and UK Development, Jo Carter, gave the opening remarks, outlining the impact of our work in 2017 – where we delivered 29,725 music therapy sessions to 7,916 people, through our own centres and in partnership with others. Prof Anthea Innes, Director of the Salford Institute for Dementia then set the context for the power of music for dementia alongside Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society for the University of Salford.

Nordoff Robbins Director of Music Services, Dr Simon Procter explored impact of music therapy on dementia, in our services in care homes and other settings, and how music in all its forms can benefit people living with dementia and their carers – having the potential to draw generations together, reduce social isolation and create shared positive communication at all stages of dementia. Simon also placed the debate within the context of Nordoff Robbins’ own and broader research – including the Commission for Music and Dementia’s recent publication, which states that “music can promote a range of hugely beneficial outcomes for people with dementia. Moreover, when used appropriately and in a meaningful way, the use of music has no known negative impacts.”

We were grateful to all participants for their valuable contributions. Discussion focused on how we can embed music-based interventions into the broader dementia agenda, and what more is needed for the importance of music therapy to be recognised. Many attendees shared moving stories of how their own lives have been affected by dementia, either personally, or through a close family member or friend, as well as the positive impacts they’ve seen music have – including music therapy, music groups, and playing as part of an orchestra, where the focus is on what people can do and on living well.

A range of themes came out of discussions, including:

• Musical communication can ensure individuals living with dementia can maintain meaningful companionship and connections with the world around them, helping them to live well and giving them a positive space to express themselves.  
• If an individual is living well with dementia at home, this is saving the acute and residential care sectors money and resource.
• A broad range of collaborators working together is essential to make the case for music therapy and music-based interventions for dementia care, who can advocate its importance to funders, commissioners and policy-makers.
• Public awareness needs to be improved, to enable music-based interventions to be embedded into the broader dementia agenda.
• There should be a music therapy based access point in every GP surgery, with access to services boosted through cooperation with service providers – and this ties into the broader debate on social prescribing.
• The sense of community and communication that music can provide is vital, and music education is essential to this – but lack of funding is putting it at risk.
• Relying on charitable funding for longer-term music-based interventions can be difficult, due to the funding cycle and application process, and this inhibits people and organisations from doing good work – which is part of a larger discussion around how funding works.

The BIG Session, curated by BULLDOG Gin in aid of Nordoff Robbins, takes place at the infamous Printworks on Wednesday 6 June. With top international DJs, Gorgon City headlining the session alongside the legendary Tom Findlay of Groove Armada, Housekeeping (HI Ibiza) and Siggy Smalls (Hed Kandi); The BIG Session celebrates World Gin Day on 9 June in style this year.

BULLDOG Gin are excited to be curating a session that not only boasts a great line up of world renowned DJs, but also supports the valuable work that Nordoff Robbins does with and alongside the music industry through a small donation going straight to the charity itself. Always a brand that behaves differently, BULLDOG Gin aims to defy typical 'gin' conventions and introduce new occasions to the category. Continuing its admired support for the world of music, BULLDOG Gin has worked with their friends in the industry to curate a bespoke and intimate concert in the lead up to World Gin day. Kicking the evening off will be Siggy Smalls followed by the extremely popular DJ collective, Housekeeping.

Born out of a shared passion for music, HOUSEKEEPING was founded in 2012 by London based DJs Taylor McWilliams, Carl Waxberg, Sebastian MDH and Jacobi AGC. Created with a thirst for pleasure-seeking, their goal is to push the boundaries of musical experience and spread their unique vibe to the rest of Europe and beyond. Guests will then enjoy a set by Tom Findlay from Groove Armada, who for nearly two decades have been established as one of the planet's best loved and biggest selling dance acts. As comfortable on the big stages as they are in sweat soaked basements, the boy’s cross genres and styles with ease.

The evening will be wrapped up by the global sensations Gorgon City. Having established themselves as one of the most in-demand acts in the industry, Gorgon City have enjoyed stellar success over the past 5-years thanks to their unique blend of bass-driven house music and addictive vocals. The UK duo, consisting of Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott, have developed a huge international presence, playing to enormous crowds of dedicated fans around the world. Gorgon City have recently released their brand new single ‘Go Deep’ featuring Ghosted & Kamille.

Campari UK’s Marketing Director Nick Williamson says of the The Big Session curated by BULLDOG Gin “With its smooth, accessible taste profile and multiple layers of flavour, BULLDOG is a gin like no other and we look forward working with our friends in music to celebrate World Gin Day as such. We are pleased to support the valuable work of such a renowned charity as Nordoff Robbins in conjunction.”

Sandy Trappitt, Senior Partnerships Manager for Nordoff Robbins says: “I am absolutely delighted that we have this opportunity to work alongside BULLDOG Gin - partnerships like this are so important to us, as they support and enable us to continue our life-changing music therapy work. This is an exciting time for Nordoff Robbins, and we can’t wait to work together.”

The BIG Session is part of a wider music lead BULLDOG Sunset Sessions campaign that goes live through events, experiential and the on trade in June. This continues a trend of pioneering partnerships with music industry behemoths such as Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Music Week, NME, and Printworks London. BULLDOG Gin are delighted to extend this support to Nordoff Robbins.

Join us on Wednesday 6 June in raising a BULLDOG Gin & Tonic or a bespoke cocktail and toasting World Gin Day a bit differently this year.

THE BEST LIVE ACT OF 2018? : HAVE YOUR SAY!

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As the legendary O2 Silver Clef Awards approach this July, in partnership with Ticketmaster, your chance is finally here to vote for your favourite live act of 2018.

The O2 Silver Clef Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding talent of the winning artists who, through sharing their music with the world, make a difference everyday. It's music that people really connect with, and the Awards help to raise vital funds each year to ensure we at Nordoff Robbins are able to continue delivering life changing music therapy to people across the UK.

The Ticketmaster Best Live Act is the single award at the O2 Silver Clefs that allows you, the fans, to have your say.

It's been an incredible year for live music, so competition for nominees was tough! But we're now delighted to reveal an amazing shortlist of 11 emerging and established talent for you to vote on - and get ready for the winners to be crowned as Ticketmaster Best Live Act on 6 July!
 

Vote Below!

Help transform lives through music by swimming for Nordoff Robbins Great North Swim 2018, Europe’s biggest open water swimming event. It's a brilliant way to experience the beautiful scenery of Windermere in the Lake District, one of the UK’s largest lakes and do something truly amazing! 

Date:

8-10 June 

Where:

Windermere, Lake District 

Swim Distance:

1 mile 

Fancy the challenge? There's swims for all age ranges and availabilities!

The registration fee is £20 and we are asking for a minimum fundraising amoung of £300

For more info, contact Ingrid Stone: ingrid.stone@nordoff-robbins.org.uk

THE BEST LIVE ACT OF 2018? : HAVE YOUR SAY!

bla_banner-01.png

As the legendary O2 Silver Clef Awards approach this July, in partnership with Ticketmaster, your chance is finally here to vote for your favourite live act of 2018.

The O2 Silver Clef Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding talent of the winning artists who, through sharing their music with the world, make a difference everyday. It's music that people really connect with, and the Awards help to raise vital funds each year to ensure we at Nordoff Robbins are able to continue delivering life changing music therapy to people across the UK.

The Ticketmaster Best Live Act is the single award at the O2 Silver Clefs that allows you, the fans, to have your say.

It's been an incredible year for live music, so competition for nominees was tough! But we're now delighted to reveal an amazing shortlist of 11 emerging and established talent for you to vote on - and get ready for the winners to be crowned as Ticketmaster Best Live Act on 6 July!
 

Vote Below!

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Professor Mercédès Pavlicevic.

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Mercédès was a much-loved colleague, who was a teacher, mentor and inspiration to many at Nordoff Robbins. A previous Director of Research, Mercédès worked tirelessly until the end; most recently as an Associate on our MPhil/PhD programme, as a leading figure within our Erasmus Plus project on Music as Resilience Support for migrant populations, as well as within Nordoff Robbins International.

During a career dedicated to music therapy, Mercédès worked with children, adults and older people in a range of institutional and community settings in England, Scotland, South Africa, and Lebanon. Mercédès completed her Nordoff Robbins training in London, followed by doctoral studies at the Department of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh with Colwyn Trevarthen. She co-instituted South Africa’s first accredited music therapy training programme and was Director of the Master in Music Therapy programme at the University of Pretoria until 2006. Mercédès was involved in training community musicians and arts workers in South Africa and Lebanon, and was for several years the arts therapies representative on the South African Health Professions Council. Mercédès was Research Associate at the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, a past African editor of VOICES, and chaired the Nordoff Robbins Research Ethics Committee. Mercédès was author, co-author and editor of many key music therapy publications. Her passionate and vibrant commitment to music as social action, to the rights of all people everywhere and to life itself have ensured that her influence is written deeply within those of us whom she taught, trained and supervised around the world. As a colleague and friend she is irreplaceable.

Our thoughts are with Mercédès’ family and friends at this time. She will be greatly missed by very many people.