The Nordoff–Robbins approach to music therapy is a method developed to help children with psychological, physical, or developmental disabilities.[1] It originated from the 17-year collaboration of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins[2] beginning in 1958,[3] with early influences from Rudolph Steiner and anthroposophical philosophy and teachings.[4] Nordoff–Robbins music therapy is based on the idea that everyone, regardless of their health or abilities, can benefit from music. It suggests that music as therapy can improve communication, support change, and help people live more resourcefully and creatively.[2] Nordoff–Robbins music therapists practice globally, having graduated from training programs in various countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and the Far East.[5]
United Kingdom
Nordoff and Robbins is a registered charity in the United Kingdom that receives no statutory funding.[6] The charity runs the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London and a number of music therapy outreach projects nationwide.[6] It also runs postgraduate training courses in music therapy and a research program with public courses and conferences.
Nordoff Robbins runs the annual Silver Clef Awards that raise money for the charity.[7]
United States
Founded by Clive Robbins and Carol Robbins, the Nordoff–Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, opened in 1989.[8] The center is affiliated with New York University's Graduate Music Therapy Program. The mission of the center has six main components:
- Providing music therapy services to people with disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, developmental delays, sensory impairments, and psychiatric disorders. The Center provides individual and group therapy sessions.
- Offering advanced music therapy training.
- Conducting and publishing research. The center maintains an extensive archive that includes recordings and documentation of the work of Nordoff and Robbins (1959–1976). The archive is continually updated by contemporary clinical work. Ongoing research in clinical practice focuses on the role of improvisational music therapy in addressing the needs of clients with different areas of disability including autism spectrum disorder, stroke, and hearing impairment.
- Presenting lectures, workshops, and symposia to professional audiences.
- Publishing musical and instructional materials to in clinical process and improvisation.
- Disseminating information and resources. The Center serves as a resource for music therapists, students, the media, and the general public. It provides consultant services, organizes seminars and workshops, and hosts over 150 visitors annually.[5][9][10]
The Nordoff–Robbins training at Molloy College, established in 2010, is the newest approved Nordoff–Robbins program in the US. It is located at the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy at Molloy College, an outpatient center serving children and adults in the Long Island and metropolitan New York area.[11]
Both training programs include assessment, archival coursework, clinical work, group music therapy, and clinical improvisation instruction. Trainees come from both the US and abroad.