While the ceremony is in aid of Nordoff Robbins Therapy in Scotland and honours artists from across the music industry, recognising their talent and celebrating Scotland’s wide musical heritage, the main reason behind the event is to simply raise as much money as possible to allow the charity to continue its work.
Launched in 1973, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland was created 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 through music in a fun and structured environment while in the company of with family members and develops a deeper relationship for all.
Ticketmaster has been a longstanding and dedicated supporter 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 – and this year alone our wonderful customers have raised over £30,000 for the charity.
The Scottish Music Awards itself is a rather glamorous affair and sees the Scottish music industry come together to celebrate the cream of musical talent and winners including Nina Nesbitt and Emeli Sandé (shown below), Lewis Capaldi and Hipsway in a star studded ceremony at the Old Fruitmarket. 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.
This year, I was lucky enough to be presenting the Ticketmaster Tour Master Award to Texas. The band have had a phenomenal career having sold over 40 million records and garnered 13 top 10 UK singles and three No.1 albums – plus this year they played three sold-out shows at Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand. Texas weren’t the only winners of the night, Regular Music also won Best Event for their Summer Nights shows at Kelvingrove Bandstand.
During the awards we were introduced to Caitlin McFadyen, who was born nine weeks premature and suffered brain damage and later cerebral palsy. Her mother Pauline spoke of how music therapy helps Caitlin express herself better and in turn is less frustrated and able to participate in fun activities without feeling anxious.
This year alone the Scottish Music Awards raised £200,000 for the charity, a phenomenal amount and which will allow the charity to continue its wonderful work helping people such as Catlin and Pauline.
To find out more about how you can help support Nordoff Robbins Therapy in Scotland visit here.
Words by Gillian Henderson
