Nordoff–Robbins music therapy

Nordoff–Robbins music therapy is a form of music therapy designed to support individuals with psychological, physical, or developmental disabilities through music.[1] The method was created in 1958 by American composer and pianist Paul Nordoff and British special education teacher Clive Robbins.[2][3] It was influenced by the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and the concept of anthroposophy,[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 by using instruments or voice, tailored to the client. Nordoff–Robbins music therapy training programs are available internationally, with established centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa.[5][6]

Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy

The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy, founded in 1989 by Clive Robbins and his wife, Carol Robbins, is housed within the Steinhardt School of Culture at New York University.[7] The center is affiliated with New York University's Music Therapy Program and provides music therapy for individuals with a range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, behavioral disorders, developmental delays, sensory impairments, and psychiatric conditions.[8] Additionally, the center conducts and publishes research, with current research focusing on the impact of music therapy for individuals with conditions such as autism and hearing 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][9][10]

Inception

Robbins, who worked in special education at the Sunfield Children's Home, a UK anthroposophical residential facility for children and adolescents with intellectual and emotional disabilities, was looking for new ways to help them progress. In 1958, Nordoff, who taught at Bard College in New York, received a sabbatical to tour and perform his musical compositions and improvisation. Upon seeing the effects of Nordoff's performance on the residents of Sunfield, Robbins and Nordoff both decided to leave their positions and dedicate themselves to collaborating on a new form of music therapy.[11]

References

  1. ^ Nordoff, Paul; Robbins, Clive (2004). Therapy in Music for Handicapped Children. Barcelona Publishers. ISBN 978-1891278198.
  2. ^ a b Karkou, Vassliki (2006). Arts Therapies: A Research-based Map of the Field. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 132ff. ISBN 978-0443072567.
  3. ^ Adler, Constance (February 11, 1991). "See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me, Heal Me". New York.
  4. ^ Guerrero, Nina; Marcus, David; Turry, Alan (2014). "Nordoff–Robbins Music Therapy". In Wheeler, Barbara (ed.). Music therapy Handbook (2nd ed.). Phoenixville: Guilford. ISBN 9781462518036.
  5. ^ a b Simpson, Fraser (2009). The Nordoff-Robbins adventure : fifty years of creative music therapy. London.: James & James Publishers. ISBN 9781906507060.
  6. ^ Wigram, Tony; Gold, Christian; Ockelford, Adam. *Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy*. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2002.
  7. ^ "About the Center". Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  8. ^ "About - Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy | NYU Steinhardt". steinhardt.nyu.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  9. ^ "Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy". New York University. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  10. ^ Simpson, Fraser (2007). Every note counts : the story of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. London: James and James. ISBN 9781903942796.
  11. ^ Cohen, Nicki (2018). Advanced Methods of Music Therapy Practice: Analytical Music Therapy, The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and Vocal Psychotherapy. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. pp. 129–147.
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