Music therapy charity selects new Chair

Music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins has announced music agent EMMA BANKS as Chair of its Board of Trustees.

She replaces DAVID MUNNS, who has been Chair for 13 years.

Banks is co-Head of the Creative Artists Agency's London Office and co-Head of International Touring.

A trustee since 2019, Banks has also chaired the Nordoff and Robbins' Silver Clef Awards committee for the past decade and sits on the charity's Race Day committee. 

As Chair, Banks will oversee Nordoff and Robbins’ efforts to use music therapy to help dismantle barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation while encouraging a more diverse pool of musicians to train as music therapists.

Supporting Banks, AEG Presents’ Artistic Director LUCY NOBLE will take on the position of Vice Chair as current Vice Chair lawyer HOWARD JONES steps down after 13 years.  

Meanwhile, music agent NEIL WARNOCK, board member and Chair of the charity’s Fundraising Committee, is also stepping down from his trustee role.

Banks said: “The music industry has loyally supported and championed this vital charity for many years, and I embrace the responsibility of building on David’s legacy with the support of Lucy and the Board of Trustees, continuing this essential advocacy far into the future."

Munns said that after 12 years as a trustee and then becoming Chair, he felt it was time for someone else to help steer the organisation. 

"I have Nordoff and Robbins in my blood because we don't just use music to entertain; we must also use the power of music to help those who find it difficult, if not impossible, to communicate any other way," he said. 

"There is a huge need for Nordoff and Robbins’ work, and the people there are completely dedicated to making it available to as many people as possible – it's a truly remarkable organisation."