Songwriting can be a powerful way of helping to shape and navigate an individual’s music therapy experience. Over the past few months, music therapist, Louise, has been writing songs with beneficiaries at a rehabilitation ward in the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, as part of their music therapy sessions.

Louise said: “In some cases these songs have simply been fun and a way of building confidence and comfort in self-expression, and in other cases they have provided an outlet for very poignant reflections on life, mental health and the challenges we all face as humans in today’s culture.”

Some of the beneficaries worked with Louise to record the songs they had written in a professional studio with the help of Futureworks, University Education for the Creative Industries, and some of their final year undergraduate students. Service users got the full studio experience, recording their vocals in the live room and working with the sound engineers to make sure their tracks sounded exactly how they wanted them to.

Speaking of the project, Louise said: ‘It was truly inspiring to see the beneficiaries who began their sessions with me in a very reserved way, feeling very cautious towards expressing themselves or to voice their ideas, standing at a microphone, taking full ownership of their creativity, their expression and their unique voice and viewpoints. Were they nervous? Of course. Did they rise to the challenge, overcoming anxiety and the unfamiliar to create something wonderful? They absolutely did!’

LAST CHRISTMAS WAS ALI’S FIRST IN THE UK. HE WAS FORCED TO FLEE HIS HOME IN IRAN FEARING FOR HIS LIFE AFTER FACING SEVERE PERSECUTION.

Escaping was the only way to retain any hope for the future, but it came with a heavy price. "When I first arrived," Ali tells us, "I felt so lost and lonely. Life was so difficult that I even thought about suicide, because I missed my home and my family so much." 

Ali first heard about Nordoff Robbins at the Croydon Refugee Day Centre he was attending. He jumped at the opportunity of having music therapy, and never missed a drop-in session.  Over time, our music therapist Kerry got to know Ali well. She discovered his huge passion for playing electric guitar and for heavy metal - music which is outlawed by the Iranian regime.  

KERRY AND ALI SHARE THEIR STORY

“In the beginning of our work together, Ali was very anxious that his application for asylum was going to be rejected and that he would have to return to a country where he was experiencing persecution. His distress was reflected in his music making - his playing was very fragmented and he found it hard to concentrate.” 

Through music, Kerry was able to help Ali experience a sense of meaningful connection, which increased his focus and helped to reduce the isolation he felt from being alone in the UK. Kerry fostered Ali's passion for music, giving him access to an electric guitar, and the opportunity to make music together.

At first this wasn't easy, as Ali tells us: "I felt constantly anxious and worried that I would not be accepted for asylum, and be sent back to Iran, where I would be persecuted. But soon, in music I started to feel more focused and confident. I was finally able to express myself in the way I had always wanted to – letting go of my fears and worries.”

Over time, Ali and Kerry began working on arrangements of songs he loved. Ali was invited to play at a concert during Refugee Week in June this year, and again at a Nordoff Robbins concert later in the summer. It was a positive experience for Ali and as Kerry tells us, "It was fantastic seeing so many members of the audience come up to him afterwards to compliment him on his playing, and to see the change in his confidence as a result.”

Music has given Ali the opportunity to connect to others, and to be valued in doing so. In a situation where Ali felt like he didn’t have a voice, music has given him the chance to be heard.

ALI HAS FOUND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Life is still not easy for Ali. He misses his home and his family every day, but now there is hope and a plan for the future. Ali plans to return to university and finish his studies, which he had to abandon when he fled Iran. 

"What I went through will leave its mark. But I am not here to talk and for you to cry. I am here to tell you how powerful music is.

"I have got to where I am thanks to Kerry, and Nordoff Robbins. And it is thanks to everyone supporting the charity, that people like me get to re-build our lives with the help of music."

THIS IS THE POWER OF MUSIC, AND TESTAMENT TO HOW IT CAN CHANGE LIVES FOR THE BETTER

Omolara is 16 years old and has severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities. She is non-verbal, and relies on Makaton, a simplified form of sign language, to communicate.   

Omolara has had a complex upbringing and experienced a great deal of loss in her life, and because of this, she was described by her teacher as being very “anxious to get things right”. Omolara struggles to make choices in school, fearful of ‘making a mistake’.  

It is for these reasons that Omolara was referred to music therapy.  Music offered Omolara an environment where she was listened to and valued, and where the flexible and improvised nature of the sessions could remove her fear of “getting things wrong”. Crucially too, it gave Omolara the opportunity to explore making independent choices through music making. 

In our first few sessions, Omolara’s anxiety was apparent in her music making; she would look to me for reassurance, and she would play with me very shyly. But as the sessions progressed, Omolara started to recognise that what she was offering was meaningful, and in our space, it was our conversation together in music. This led to Omolara beginning to initiate her own musical ideas, and gradually becoming more and more daring and adventurous in making music. 

What has been so lovely to see is Omolara’s personality shining through - her mischievous and playful nature is fully evident in her music.  

Omolara has become so much more confident; she now plays with a real sense of purpose, using a huge range of sounds and often spontaneously bursts into dancing in the sessions! Omolara has also started using her voice in music too – for a young person who cannot verbally communicate, and who has always been so anxious to avoid mistakes, this has shown great courage – her desire to sing and contribute has overpowered her fears.  

One of Omolara’s school teachers said: “Omolara has transformed from an anxious, eager to please and timid student to a relaxed student who understands the language of music. She struggles to communicate with others and yet in her music therapy sessions she is bursting with confidence and is able to communicate with ease.” 

Omolara has started using her voice more and more in class, and in the summer, her class began to rehearse for the school show. Omolara sang along with so much enthusiasm in the rehearsals that she was chosen to sing a solo at the beginning of the song in the actual show – the first time she’d ever sung in a school performance! 

Her teaching assistant added: “Music therapy has brought out a whole new side of Omolara. The nervousness has come away and her confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. In the school show, Omolara was singing solo with the biggest smile on her face - you can see how proud she is of herself. It’s absolutely beautiful how it’s developed her.” 

Kerry, Nordoff Robbins music therapist  

We would like to congratulate Neil Warnock, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Year Honours List, for services to Music and Charity.

Neil has been a dedicated and passionate supporter of Nordoff Robbins since the charity was first formed 43 years ago. Neil sits on the Nordoff Robbins Board as a trustee and is Chair of Fundraising, where he plays a pivotal role on several of the charity’s key fundraising committees and chairs our annual race day and boxing events. Neil is also a very active member of our O2 Silver Clef Awards committee, our annual flagship event which since it began has raised more than £20m.

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Neil’s passion for music and understanding of the way in which it can shape and change our lives is reflected in both his professional achievements and the way in which he supports Nordoff Robbins. Neil has taken time and great care to develop his knowledge of music therapy and this makes him a powerful advocate for our work.

Julie Whelan, Chief Executive of Nordoff Robbins, said: “On behalf of the whole team at Nordoff Robbins and the many thousands of people whose lives we change through music, I’d like to congratulate Neil on being awarded his MBE. Neil works tirelessly for Nordoff Robbins as he believes so passionately in the power of our music therapy to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. This recognition is hugely deserved for him and we of course are just so grateful for his energy, determination and commitment to our work, which has made a massive difference to thousands of people across the UK.”

Neil Warnock said: “I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious accolade. The work that Nordoff Robbins does is so important and the changes that they have made to vulnerable and isolated people’s lives are immeasurable. I would like to recognise all the therapists and people working at the charity who work so hard to make a difference to those lives every single day.”

Neil Warnock is one of the most experienced music agents in the world and a key architect of the modern live music business. As part of his executive role at UTA, Warnock oversees a robust roster of UK agents and artists, advising on both regional and international touring business strategy.

The Prime Minister has today, 4 January, recognised Graham Wylie CBE, from Newcastle, with a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Graham has been honoured with the award for providing sustainable funding to projects in the North East, including our music therapy work.

Graham launched a charitable foundation in 2010 with the goal of fundraising, and providing grants, to causes across the North East which help underprivileged children. A successful businessman, Graham personally meets the running, administration and staffing costs of the charity and devotes his time to running the charity on an entirely voluntary basis. This allows 100 per cent of donations to be channelled into funding organisations, equipment and buildings to improve services for vulnerable children and young people across the region for years to come.

Through the foundation, Graham provided us with the building for our Nordoff Robbins music therapy centre in Newcastle in 2017 - our first dedicated centre outside of London, where we use music therapy to support vulnerable and isolated children and young people. The centre was opened in March 2018 and has enabled us to reach more children and families in the North East with our music therapy services.

Our CEO Julie Whelan said: “We are absolutely thrilled to hear that Graham Wylie has been recognised with an incredibly well-deserved Point of Light Award for his philanthropy and dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people in the North East. We are so thankful to The Graham Wylie Foundation, which has, through the provision of our Newcastle Centre, enabled us to take a significant step towards realising our vision of a world where music therapy is available to all those who need it.”

Graham said: “It is an honour to receive a Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister – this will continue to inspire me to make my charitable foundation bigger and better and help, educate and inspire the children of the North East of England. Our first two projects, ‘The Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre’ and the ‘Mercy Project’ at St Marys’s Cathedral are up and running and we continue to fundraise to create more projects of a similar nature. This Award will help with our ambitions.”

Huge congratulations to Graham from all of us at Nordoff Robbins!

When he was in his twenties, Matthew sustained a brain injury in a motorbike accident that caused multiple physical injuries, problems with speech and language, cognitive impairment and some behavioural issues. A few years after his accident, Matthew was admitted to Tŷ Aberdafen, a brain injury rehabilitation centre in Wales, where he began a multi-discipline rehabilitation programme.

Over the last year this has included music therapy provided by our music therapist Lucie. Here, she shares the impact she has seen the therapy have on Matthew:

“Matthew has been having music therapy for just over a year now, as part of his ongoing rehabilitation at Tŷ Aberdafen. Matthew uses a wheelchair and requires support for everyday tasks and communicates mostly through using gestures and electronic devices. He is always excited to attend his sessions and some days music is the only thing that motivates him.

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Over the past year I have seen improvements in Matthew’s concentration and focus, and in his listening and physical control of the beater. As a result, Matthew’s phrases have now become more sustained, providing a stable foundation for the music we create together. Now, having developed more control in his beating, Matthew can communicate his playfulness and sense of humour more clearly, giving him a heightened experience of leading – and of catching me out!

I have now started encouraging Matthew to use his voice more, as this is something he doesn’t tend to do outside of sessions. In a recent session, we finished with a familiar pop song and, unprompted, Matthew joined in with the chorus! His singing was in the key of the music I was playing, and I noticed him trying to form the shapes of words with his mouth.

Since then, I have been sure to give Matthew the time and space he needs to work on his vocalisations. Gradually, his vocal production is becoming more immediate and the length he can hold notes for is increasing. Matthew seems especially animated after working on his voice and is clearly aware of what he is doing and what a great achievement this is.

Music therapy has been a valuable part of Matthew’s rehabilitation this past year, supporting his social, physical, cognitive and communication goals. Our musical work encourages him to be more present and aware of himself and those around him, offering a different way of expressing his personality and helping him to explore different avenues of communication. Matthew’s sessions also offer him an experience of empowerment through being in control and leading, which feels highly significant in the context of his life.”

If you’re considering a career in music therapy, our open evenings and short courses are a great way to find out more about our music-centred Nordoff Robbins approach and our two-year full time Master of Music Therapy course (MMT).

Music therapist Lou Gregg completed our MMT course two years ago, and is now employed full-time by Nordoff Robbins. Lou started her music therapy journey by attending one of our open evenings, and she now uses her musical skills and expertise to help people through music every day. Here are her reflections on the open evening and MMT course:

“When I began considering a music therapy training course, I attended a Nordoff Robbins open evening. The evening was extremely focused and included videos of music therapy in action, which gave me a much more thorough grasp of what exactly Nordoff Robbins music therapy is. It also helped me understand the structure of the course, both in relation to time requirements, practical elements and the different types of teaching included.

“Even now I occasionally think back to the open evening I attended as a moment where my love for working with people and playing music made more sense than ever and as a time of excitement that it might be possible for me to have a job where I could do that every day. I really see that evening as the start of the journey that lead me to where I am today.

“The opportunity to hear the course tutors talk passionately about the training and their work as music therapists was not only informative but also gave me a much better feel for the charity and the people who would be working with us each week. I arrived at the open evening feeling curious but unsure, as I previously knew very little about music therapy. However, I left the open evening feeling inspired, moved and challenged having seen music, the thing that I loved, being used in such a meaningful and significant way.

“Both the information and the quality of the music therapy and of the staff that I met led me to apply for and complete the Master of Music Therapy course.

“The centrality of music and of people within the Nordoff Robbins approach is what made the MMT the right choice for me. The course itself was practical, thorough, robust, challenging and fulfilling at every turn, with music constantly at its core. Having placements from the outset was so beneficial, as we could put everything we learned into real life contexts. Similarly, the weekly supervisions were excellent for coaching on specific moments from placement. Learning with and from the rest of the cohort was such a privilege, and valuable beyond words.

“In addition to all of that, the greatest strength of the program is the tutors; they are highly skilled, and so insightful and committed to figuring out each student, to draw out their strengths. I went on a long process and grew so much over the two years, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the tutors on the course. At the end of the program I felt fully equipped to apply for the graduate employment scheme with Nordoff Robbins, and am now employed by Nordoff Robbins full time.”

If you’re interested in attending an open evening, we have upcoming events taking place in Liverpool and Newcastle.

Stars from the world of sport and entertainment celebrated Danny Care’s induction into the Legends of Rugby Hall of Fame on 16 January 2019, during an incredible evening raising funds for our life-changing music therapy.

This year’s dinner, which was sponsored by O2, was hosted by TV favourite Vernon Kay, and featured performances by Scottish pop/rock band Texas, fellow Scot and musician KT Tunstall, and singer/songwriter Colette Cooper.

The event was attended by a scrum of rugby stars including Craig Chalmers, Lawrence Dallaglio, Andy Gormasall, Graham Dawe, Charlie Hodgson, Steve Bainbridge and Richard Wigglesworth amongst many others. Joining the stars of Rugby and host Vernon Kay, were Jo Wood, Love Island’s Laura Crane and Rosie Williams, and TOWIE’s Jessica Wright and Lydia Bright.  

On receiving the Legends of Rugby award, Danny said: “Nordoff Robbins is an environment where people can go to enjoy themselves and express themselves. People are living in really tough times and they find some happiness there. It’s an unbelievable charity and I’m very honoured to have been able to go to a Nordoff Robbins centre”.
 

Ahead of the event Danny visited our London centre to learn more about our work. Of his visit he said:

“It was amazing to go down to the Nordoff Robbins centre and meet the team and one of their music therapists to see how the power of music is used to change people’s lives. The facilities there are unbelievable – you can see how they offer people a safe and nurturing environment in which to just express themselves in music. Music has had a significant impact on my life, and my sporting career – I have a four-year-old boy and its non-stop music in our house, and in Rugby we love a sing-song, it’s such a big part of our world. It brings us together and helps us focus to really get our heads into the game, so I can relate to the impact music must have on the people this wonderful charity are helping every day” 
 

The money raised at this year’s event will contribute to the £1.6 million raised to date since the event launched in 1995. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously at the event, to our sponsors O2, and to VU Limited.

“When I have bad memories, I play musical instruments. Then all the bad memories go into the instruments and I don’t have them inside me anymore.”

Eight-year-old Barbara became depressed at the age of four, when she was taken into care, and separated from her siblings who were put up for adoption. Since being referred by her teacher in 2017, she has been taking part in weekly music therapy sessions with Anna, along with her foster parent, to help improve her low mood.

Music therapist Anna talks about her work with Barbara:

“Barbara learns the trumpet at school and is very interested in music. Her musicality and interest was evident in our earliest sessions when she sang in tune and explored different instruments. Barbara’s confidence in interacting with the music alongside me and her carer has grown as the weeks have progressed.

"Recently, I suggested that we try writing a song together and Barbara chose to write about her ‘best Christmas present ever.’ Barbara said afterwards: ‘writing my own song was really good, because it included my fourth Christmas in care.’ This was a significant milestone for her, since it meant she had celebrated as many Christmases with her foster carers as she has done with her birth family.”

Not only do the weekly sessions provide an opportunity for Barbara’s expression and playfulness to shine through, they also create a space where Barbara’s relationship with her foster carer can be strengthened by making music together. Her carer said that music therapy had positively impacted Barbara’s wellbeing saying:

“Barbara has periods of low mood which disappear every Friday as she attends the session. She talks excitedly about music therapy throughout the week and always looks forward to the session. I love the fact that I get to be involved… It has been great to see Barbara smiling!” 

THE NORDOFF ROBBINS CHARITY CUP IS HERE!

We’d love you to join us on 16 May at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC, for an epic 6-a-side football tournament - all to raise money for Nordoff Robbins.

WE HAVE SOME AWESOME INCENTIVES FOR YOU TO TAKE PART:

• Play on a Premier League football ground
   
• Use of official changing rooms
   
• Post tournament prize-giving in the players lounge
   
• Complimentary team jerseys
   
• Post-match tunnel interviews
   
• 11-a-side final on Selhurst Park's full pitch
   
• Great prizes, including tickets to the exclusive Legends of Football Awards in October 2019.

INTERESTED? 

Here’s what we want you to do…….

1. RECRUIT YOUR TEAM

• Find the superstar strikers and lionhearted defenders from your office or friends and enter your squad.
• The tournament is 6-a-side, but the final will be played as a 11 a side match on the full pitch - so make sure your squad is full!
• Following the final there will be prize-giving and drinks and the player's lounge, with a special award for 'Player of the Tournament' 

2. ENTER YOUR TEAM BY 30 MARCH 2018

• There is a £200 registration fee to secure your team’s place. You'll need to pay this to hold your team's place in the tournament.
• It's first come first serve and there's only 12 team places - so move fast on this!
• Once registered we'll send your registration pack - with further details and lots of support on fundraising.

3. SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE AND START RAISING MONEY.

• Your fundraising will be helping Nordoff Robbins to change the lives of people facing unimaginable challenges.
• We are asking each team to raise a minimum £2,300 collectively - for full squads that's less that £20 per player per week - so we know you can do it! 
• There's lots of ways to go about it - you'll have a team Just Giving page so you can run fundraising activities, or if you're from a company you could try asking the boss nicely to match your fundraising efforts. 
• We'll be on hard to help you with this, and there'll be a great prize for the team that raises the most cash!!

4. GET MATCH FIT!!

We can help you with top tips and ideas for this. (e.g. stop eating PIES!!!)

We have now filled all our places for this year's tournament. But look out for next year's tournament!

ON A SERIOUS NOTE...

We depend entirely on the support of people like you to make our work possible. Thanks to that support we are able to 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. When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs. It can help a child with autism to communicate, reduce anxiety for those living with dementia or provide comfort and celebrate the life of someone facing terminal illness.

All of the money you raise as part of the Nordoff Robbins cup will go to supporting people like Ed:

The Nordoff Robbins Charity Cup is here!

We’d love you to join us on 16 May at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC, for an epic 6-a-side football tournament - all to raise money for Nordoff Robbins.

We have some awesome incentives for you to take part:

• Play on a Premier League football ground
   
• Use of official changing rooms
   
• Post tournament prize-giving in the players lounge
   
• Complimentary team jerseys
   
• Post-match tunnel interviews
   
• 11-a-side final on Selhurst Park's full pitch
   
• Great prizes, including tickets to the exclusive Legends of Football Awards in October 2019.

Interested? 

Here’s what we want you to do…….

1. Recruit your team

• Find the superstar strikers and lionhearted defenders from your office or friends and enter your squad.
• The tournament is 6-a-side, but the final will be played as a 11 a side match on the full pitch - so make sure your squad is full!
• Following the final there will be prize-giving and drinks and the player's lounge, with a special award for 'Player of the Tournament' 

2. Enter your team by 30 march 2018

• There is a £200 registration fee to secure your team’s place. You'll need to pay this to hold your team's place in the tournament.
• It's first come first serve and there's only 12 team places - so move fast on this!
• Once registered we'll send your registration pack - with further details and lots of support on fundraising.

3. Set up your fundraising page and start raising money.

• Your fundraising will be helping Nordoff Robbins to change the lives of people facing unimaginable challenges.
• We are asking each team to raise a minimum £2,300 collectively - for full squads that's less that £20 per player per week - so we know you can do it! 
• There's lots of ways to go about it - you'll have a team Just Giving page so you can run fundraising activities, or if you're from a company you could try asking the boss nicely to match your fundraising efforts. 
• We'll be on hard to help you with this, and there'll be a great prize for the team that raises the most cash!!

4. Get match Fit!!

We can help you with top tips and ideas for this. (e.g. stop eating PIES!!!)

We have now filled all our places for this year's tournament. But look out for next year's tournament!

ON A serious note...

We depend entirely on the support of people like you to make our work possible. Thanks to that support we are able to 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. When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs. It can help a child with autism to communicate, reduce anxiety for those living with dementia or provide comfort and celebrate the life of someone facing terminal illness.

All of the money you raise as part of the Nordoff Robbins cup will go to supporting people like Ed:

The nordoff robbins cup is here

South

North

Don't miss it!

One of our music therapists, Luke Wilson, delivers regular music therapy sessions at a specialist centre for people with an acquired brain injury.  We spoke to him about his experience of delivering music therapy in a neuro-rehab setting:

How does Nordoff Robbins music therapy help in neuro-rehab settings? 

Nordoff Robbins music therapy can help in a variety of different ways. Beneficiaries with severe impairments due to brain injury often struggle to communicate, but through closely focusing in on what sounds they are able to make, be it singing or through instruments, amazing things can happen. People’s sounds or playing can become more intentional, and someone who is normally withdrawn and non-communicative can become suddenly engaged and fully present, expressing themselves through music.  

Group music making opportunities can also provide the space for people to come together and engage with eachother. This can enable staff and beneficiaries to see one another differently and appreciate and support each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Sometimes music therapy can be about helping someone to cope with their circumstances, and at other times it is to explore and celebrate strengths and a sense of identity, rather than working to a pre-determined goal. Through music therapy I try to meet a person on a given day and support, challenge and develop strengths in whatever way is most useful in that moment.  

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? 

The craft of music therapy is a lifetime pursuit – trying to constantly provide original improvised music that changes key, timing and feeling based on everything a beneficiary does can be a challenge. At points I will be able to hear the music that I think would be perfect to support someone’s drumming, but it might take a few more months of practice in that style before I can actually play it! We are always at the very limits of our abilities as musicians in this job, which is both daunting and exhilarating.  

What do you enjoy the most? 

I am constantly amazed by what music can mean to people. I remember starting my role and thinking, “Oh wow, how lucky I am that I have such a musical bunch of people here!” and as time has gone on and new beneficiaries continue to have incredibly strong relationships with music, I’ve started to feel that it’s less of a fluke and more of a common human experience.  

The aspect I enjoy the most is seeing what music therapy can bring to people living with brain injuries and the staff and families who support them. From tiny moments of connection to supporting people to perform, the moments where I see music truly helping are the times when I feel both proud and privileged to do the job I do.    

Can you tell us about music and identity in Neurobehavioral rehab?

When I began working as a music therapist in neuro-rehabilitative settings, one of the things that struck me the most was that questions about beneficiaries were often phrased in the past tense. Questions like “What job did you do?” and “Where did you live?” often highlighted the loss of identity that people can experience with a brain injury. In starting music therapy with people, I would often find the question “What music did you like?” forming before I quickly correcting myself to “What music do you like?”  

Our musical preferences are not arbitrary choices, but often represent deep rooted parts of our sense of self. Living with the consequences of a brain injury can sometimes be characterised by a sense of loss – of independence, cognitive abilities, or of a parental or professional role. However, I’ve found that musical identity can remain healthy, intact and hugely personal. Being able to explore someone’s musical identity with them is one of the ways that music therapy can support people in reaffirming and reconstructing their sense of self, while living with the consequences of a brain injury.  

I am constantly astonished at the depth and variety of musical identities that I encounter in my work. From improvising gospel songs and church music with someone to singing each word of an old Irish ballad with a person who struggles to engage in meaningful conversation. Through the use of music we can explore strengths and reaffirm people’s identities.  

Music therapy can at times have a privileged position within the larger scheme of rehab – that of exploring strengths and celebrating the positive aspects of someone’s personhood. These moments can be important not only for the person themselves, but also for staff, family and other beneficiaries, to see moments where a person shows their character, identity or hidden abilities through music.  

Read more about >> music therapy and neurological disorders. 

We're so excited to be hosting our football tournament in Scotland! For more information, please get in touch with Simon at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk for all the details

Music therapist Lucie delivers regular music therapy sessions at a rehabilitation centre for people with acquired brain injuries. Here, she describes how music therapy has helped Gareth to find his voice:

Gareth is 52 years old and suffered a cerebrovascular accident in 2012 while on holiday. As a result of his brain injury, Gareth has limited use of language and is often fatigued, which makes it difficult for him to engage and interact.  

When I first started offering him music therapy sessions, I would go to his room with just my guitar and voice. He was very withdrawn, only looking up occasionally, and did not seem to get much out of the sessions.  

One of his Rehabilitation Support Workers told me that Gareth had enjoyed listening to the piano in the past, so for the third session he was brought to the music therapy room where he could sit next to me at the piano. I played a series of classical pieces for him – mainly Bach, Beethoven and Grieg – and also improvised in time with the rhythm of his breathing, so that he could sense himself controlling the music. This elicited more positivity and interest, and when asked if he would like some more classical music over the coming weeks he responded with an assured ‘yes’.  

Over the next three sessions I played classical piano music with Gareth at my side, who smiled approvingly and grinned if I made a mistake. He was much less withdrawn and appeared to enjoy the music, even when fatigued.  

The real breakthrough came in Gareth’s sixth session. I started with some classical music to welcome Gareth and then moved into the song ‘Love Me Tender.’ As I began to sing the first line, Gareth immediately lifted his torso to make himself more upright and looked directly towards me. I continued, and as I reached the last line of the verse, Gareth sang it too – every word and it was perfectly pitched! Before this moment I had only heard Gareth say ‘yes’, and now here he was singing a whole phrase. He sang a few more words as I continued, his body completely upright. We reached the end and I played on, asking Gareth if he’d like to sing the first verse again. He replied with a keen ‘yeah’, and then proceeded to sing almost every single word with me. I repeated the last line but left it unfinished for Gareth to complete – and he sang it in a moment of deep connection. 

The two support workers in the room were surprised and elated, and other members of the professional team were amazed when I recounted that Gareth had sustained fifty minutes of active engagement.  

Working with Gareth has been a moving and rewarding journey. The benefits of music therapy for him are transparent: helping him to use his voice and sharing positive, enjoyable, and engaging social experiences. 

- Lucie Phillips, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapist

Read more about music therapy and neurological disorders.

Alex Briggs works in the Nordoff Robbins fundraising team and is taking on the London Marathon this year in support of our life-changing music. Every day in his job, Alex gets to see the amazing impact music can have on people’s lives and frequently speaks to our inspirational supporters, who enable us to reach more vulnerable and isolated people through music. We spoke to him about his training journey and his motivations for powering through 26.2 miles to bring the power of music to the people who need it most.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE ON THE LONDON MARATHON FOR NORDOFF ROBBINS?

It was the obvious choice for me to choose Nordoff Robbins to support! Every day I see first-hand the way that Nordoff Robbins’ music therapists reach people through music, and I also see how rewarded those who fundraise for us feel having supported our work. I’ll never forget joining in a group music therapy session for people living with dementia, and seeing the impact that it had on the group members as they re-connected with music and memories that they’d enjoyed in their past...it's very hard not to be inspired by music therapy once you've seen it. 

HOW DO YOU PUSH THROUGH HARD TRAINING RUNS/WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP GOING?

Really, just knowing the great ways that Nordoff Robbins changes lives is pretty good motivation for me! Whenever someone makes a donation to my fundraising page I feel like I need to put everything into working even harder.  I’ve got to keep going even when the training is hurting my knees and lungs, and really testing my endurance.  

HOW DO YOU USE MUSIC AS THERAPY PERSONALLY/WHAT DOES MUSIC MEAN TO YOU?

I don’t think there’s been a day where I didn’t listen to music since I had one of those massive CD players when I was about 4. I play and write music too and I’m constantly listening to one of my playlists, which I’ve got for every mood under the sun. It’s tough to put into words but music really is an incredibly powerful form of therapy for me.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT THE LONDON MARATHON?

I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and seeing thousands of people taking on a huge challenge for a variety of amazing causes…but mostly I’m just looking forward to making it to the finish line in one piece!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING OF TAKING ON A CHALLENGE EVENT TO SUPPORT NORDOFF ROBBINS?

It isn’t always possible to give as much as you’d like to the causes you believe in, so this is the perfect way to raise way more funds for an amazing charity than I ever would have been able to give on my own. I’d say that if you want to help a charity and don’t know exactly how to, taking on a challenge event is one of the most rewarding and fun ways to support a cause…I couldn’t recommend it enough!

FIND OUT HOW YOU Can TAKE PART IN A CHALLENGE EVENT in 2019 TO SUPPORT NORDOFF ROBBINS>>

Three year old Charlie had regular music therapy sessions with Alison during his sixth month stay on a paediatric oncology ward, where he was undergoing intensive treatment for Leukaemia.

Charlie’s parents were concerned that he was missing out on the social interaction he would have received outside of hospital, as well as worrying about the development of his communicative needs, particularly as a young child with Down’s Syndrome. In sessions, Alison was able to use Charlie’s natural responses to music to build interactions with him, as well as introducing activities and songs that supported his verbal development, listening skills and response skills.

Additionally, music therapy gave Charlie a space to simply enjoy himself and have fun! Music Therapist Alison said:

“From the very first session I was struck by Charlie’s appetite for making music. I wheeled the instrument trolley into Charlie’s hospital bay and his eyes lit up as he pointed at the drums with enthusiasm! I placed the bongos in front of him and took a guitar for myself. He immediately began to play with great excitement and I matched his speed and energy to make him feel in control – something that is often stripped away from individuals during cancer treatment. Charlie’s desire and need to be playful was clearly evident throughout his music therapy sessions, and it was my role to support and encourage this essential activity for any child. In music Charlie could experience himself as a child who is well, not as an individual being “treated”, but as a child who is able to be spontaneous and able to just play.”

The music therapy sessions also provided Charlie’s mum with time to play with her son. She said of the experience:

“Charlie spent almost 6 months on the oncology ward and had to endure some extremely traumatic, painful and distressing times as part of his treatment for Leukaemia and the music therapy sessions were literally the highlight of our week. Charlie spent much of his time in isolation due to various infections and so rarely made it to the group sessions. Instead Alison came to his room and delivered a personal session for Charlie. Sometimes he had a lot of pent up frustration that he needed to release on the drums, tambourine and bells whilst bouncing up and down on his bed with delight. On other occasions Charlie would make special requests for Alison to play his favourite Mary Poppins tunes. One occasion that really comes to mind is when Charlie needed sedation for a procedure but due to the various drugs that he was already on, his body was fighting sleep. Alison turned up with her collection of musical instruments and soothed Charlie to sleep with Golden Slumbers and other lullabies. It was simply magical seeing how Charlie responded by drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Other times Charlie was simply very frail and just seeing Alison turn up on the ward brought a huge smile to his face and made his day so much better. The music therapy sessions were an absolutely invaluable part of Charlie's treatment; soothing and bringing happiness to a very poorly child fighting cancer. Seeing Charlie happy made everyone in the room happy - the music would literally transform our day.”

Read more about how music therapy can be beneficial for people living with cancer.

Imogen is a nine-year old girl living with a very rare genetic disorder. The usual life expectancy for children born with the condition is one to two years and Imogen is the oldest surviving child in the UK. Since her case is so unusual, her prognosis is unclear.

Imogen has a visual impairment, very limited verbal communication, and has frequent minor absence seizures due to her epilepsy. Whilst she was able to start walking at the age of six, she often has uncontrolled involuntary movements of her arms and legs. Additionally, her brain processes information slowly, taking 15 seconds to send signals to her eyes and limbs.

With no consistent verbal utterances and limited vision, Imogen is extremely isolated and there isn’t much that she can access in life. However, she responds to music and loves to move to it! 

Imogen’s music therapist Anna said:

“In our first session as I played and sang to Imogen, I noticed that she made almost constant sounds with her voice. She was also interested in exploring the sounds of the instruments around her but seemed unable to hold onto objects – her tendency was to throw them away through her involuntary movements. Her responsiveness to music was immediately apparent, and I saw its potential to help her to communicate and express herself.”

In her sessions, Imogen sits at the piano and has a cymbal, which is firmly fixed along with the other instruments around her, so she can reach out and touch them without them falling. She imitates the sounds sung or played to her by Anna, will wait to take a turn after she has made a sound, and will frequently burst out in laughter if Anna echoes a sound or note back to her!

Through her sessions, Imogen is developing an understanding of the reciprocal possibilities of music-making and is also becoming more engaged in her lessons and in classroom activities. She now turns her head to face whoever is speaking or singing in her class, and joins in with the “Hello” and “Goodbye” songs at the beginning and end of the school day, which her teachers describe as “a significant breakthrough for an extremely isolated little girl.”

Music therapist Anna is thrilled that Imogen is learning to build relationships through musical play saying: “every week I’m amazed at how much focus she puts into working at making music with me. Over the sessions we’ve had together, it’s been a joy to watch Imogen’s development.”