Music

Why music really matters: supporting Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland

They say music is a universal language and provides the soundtrack to the pivotal events in our lives. And through the wonderful work of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, the power of music literally transforms lives.

Ticketmaster has been a proud and dedicated supporter of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland since 2006, and each year sponsors an award at the annual Tartan Clef Awards.

While the Tartan Clef Awards honours artists from across the music industry, recognising their talent and celebrating Scotland’s wide musical heritage, the main reason for the event is to simply raise as much money as possible to allow the charity to continue its work.

Created in 1973, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland was launched to continue the pioneering work of Clive Robbins and Paul Nordoff who together established a method of reaching and engaging with disabled children through musical improvisation and in doing so increasing their quality of life significantly.

For those who receive music therapy it allows them to express themselves in a fun and structured environment through music while in the company of with family members and develops a deeper relationship for all.

Ticketmaster has been a long standing champion of the charity and in 2006 set up a charity upsell on Ticketmaster.co.uk on all Scottish events, allowing customers to donate directly to the charity when purchasing a ticket. To date, we have raised over £94,000 through our customers’ generosity.

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The Tartan Clef Awards itself is a rather glamorous affair and sees the Scottish music industry come together to celebrate the cream of musical talent in a star studded ceremony. Guests are treated to a delicious three-course meal while enjoying an exciting auction of exclusive items and experiences and later treated to live performances during the awards ceremony.

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This year, I was lucky enough to be presenting the Ticketmaster Hot Ticket Award to Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, otherwise known as Glaswegian pensioners Jack and Victor from BBC Scotland’s Still Game. Taking the show from television broadcast to a live performance, Still Game performed an amazing 21 shows at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow selling over 50,000 tickets.

During the Awards we were introduced to Lindsey Currie who spoke candidly about how Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy had given her son Cody the ability to communicate through music, and how it had changed not only Cody’s life but her relationship with her son. It was a moving speech and reaffirmed the importance of the work carried out by the Music Therapists.

This year alone, the Tartan Clef Awards raised £130,000 for the charity, a phenomenal amount, which will allow the charity to continue its wonderful work helping people like Cody and Lindsey.