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Nordoff–Robbins music therapy is a form ofmusic therapy designed to support individuals with psychological,physical, ordevelopmentaldisabilities through music.[1] The approach was created in 1958 by American composer and pianistPaul Nordoff and Britishspecial education teacherClive Robbins.[2][3] It was influenced by the philosophy ofRudolf Steiner andanthroposophy,[4] relying on the belief that individuals can engage with music in ways that promote communication, self-expression, and personal development.[2] Sessions typically involve active music-making, such as improvisation using instruments or voice tailored to the client. Nordoff–Robbins music therapy training programs are available internationally, with established centers in theUnited Kingdom,United States,Australia,Germany,New Zealand, andSouth Africa.[5][6]
The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, founded in 1989 by Clive Robbins and his wife, Carol Robbins, is housed within theSteinhardt School of Culture atNew York University.[7] The center is affiliated with New York University's Music Therapy Program, and providesmusic therapy for individuals with a range of disabilities, includingautism spectrum disorder,behavioral disorders,developmental delays,sensory impairments, andpsychiatric conditions. Additionally, the center conducts and publishes research, with current clinical research focusing on the impact of music therapy for individuals with conditions such asautism andhearing loss. The center is visited by over 150 people annually, including music therapists, students, media professionals, and members of the public seeking resources or consultation.[5][8][9]
The Nordoff-Robbins approach isn't a fixed method or a path to one specific goal. its a flexible way of using the potential of music-making to support the unique needs of each client, family or community.[10]
The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy don't just provide therapy, they also run an MMT (Master of Music Therapy) program and conduct practice based research.[11] Their PhD program is for experienced practitioners in music therapy or community music, and is validated by Goldsmiths, University of London.[12] Research isn't just academic; it directly feeds back into how they train students and deliver therapy, helping to evolve their approach.[13]
The Nordoff-Robbins Center explore a wide range of topics. For example:
Dementia: A project called "Tracing Music Therapy's Ripples in Dementia Care Environments" studies how therapy affects not just the person receiving it, but also those around them.[14]
Neurorehabilitation: They are collaborating with UCLH (University College London Hospitals) on a trial to seewether music therapy can improve functional outcomes on neurological rehab wards.[15]
Homelessness: They're researching how group music making, including therapy, can support people experiencing homelessness.[16]
End-of-life & care settings: Their Care for Music project (with Exeter University and others) looks at how music is used in late life and end-of-life care, and what effects it has on wellbeing and community.[17]
Established in 2010, the Nordoff–Robbins Training Program atMolloy University is an officially recognized program offering Nordoff–Robbins music therapy training in the United States. It operates out of the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, an outpatient facility that provides services to children and adults acrossLong Island and the greaterNew York metropolitan area.[18]
