Our ‘music is’ campaign
One simple question. What is music to you?
Music means something different to all of us. It can be a memory, a feeling, a place, a person. It can make us dance, make us cry, and help us connect. For some people, music is joy. For others, it’s freedom, hope, love, escape or belonging.
As we mark 50 incredible years of the O2 Silver Clef Awards this July, we’re celebrating the extraordinary role that music plays in all our lives, and asking people everywhere to complete one simple sentence:
Music is…
A collective portrait of the power of music
For five decades, the O2 Silver Clef Awards have brought artists and the music industry together to celebrate the power of music while raising vital funds for our music therapy work.
To mark this milestone year, we have invited artists, industry leaders and music fans to share one word that captures what music means to them.
More than 50 artists have already joined the campaign, including Annie Lennox, Fatboy Slim, Lionel Richie, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers, Muse and many more. Together, their words are becoming a collective portrait of music’s power to connect, inspired and transform lives. But this campaign isn’t just about artists. It’s about all of us.
Because everyone has a relationship with music, and every story matters.
Music is…
Life. Love. Liberation. Everything. Connection. Universal. Joy… and countless more.
Explore the words shared by artists and supporters, then add your own to the growing collection.
Why it matters
For the thousands of children and adults we support each year, music is much more than entertainment.
Music therapy can become a way to communicate, connect and be understood, especially for people facing life-limiting illness, dementia, autism, learning disabilities, brain injury, mental health challenges and other complex needs.
For some people, music becomes the moment they speak again. The moment they reconnect with someone they love. The moment they feel seen. The moment they feel heard.
At Nordoff and Robbins, we witness the power of music every day. That’s why Music is isn’t simply a campaign. It’s a celebration of the extraordinary role music plays in all our lives, and a reminder that music can transform lives.
Image credit: Rhiannon Louden / Small Fish Brand Co
Add your word
What does music mean to you?
Complete the sentence Music is… with one word and become part of a growing celebration of music’s meaning, memory and impact.
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Wear your word – coming soon!
Our Music is campaign has also inspired a collection of artist-led merchandise, designed by renowned lettering artist Rachel Joy. Featuring exclusive collaborations inspired by artist words, every piece helps support our life-changing music therapy work. Collection coming soon.
Support music therapy
Music has given all of us something: a memory, a feeling, a connection. Now it can do the same for someone else.
We receive no government support so we’re entirely reliant on donations from generous supporters like you. Every donation you make helps us provide life-changing music therapy to people across the UK.