The Nordoff–Robbins approach to music therapy is a method developed to help children with psychological, physical, or developmental disabilities. It originated from the 17-year collaboration of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins beginning in 1958, with early influences from Rudolph Steiner and anthroposophical philosophy and teachings. 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. 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 Asia.

United Kingdom

Nordoff and Robbins is a registered charity in the United Kingdom. The charity runs the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London and a number of music therapy outreach projects nationwide. 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.

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. The center is affiliated with New York University's Graduate Music Therapy Program. The mission of the center has six main components: 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. Both training programs include assessment, archival coursework, clinical work, group music therapy, and clinical improvisation instruction. Trainees come from both the US and abroad.