An Introduction to Music Therapy with Nordoff Robbins (FutureLearn)

You’ll gain an understanding of how music therapy works today, and how the practice has developed over the last half-century.

Exploring your own relationship with music along the way, you’ll discover the key elements of how music therapy works and can help in a range of settings.
Discover the pioneering work of Nordoff Robbins

You’ll examine the early work of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins who pioneered ‘music as therapy’.

Once you have understood music therapy’s roots, you’ll discover the current work carried out through the charity, Nordoff Robbins UK. You’ll explore the importance of music-making, the role of groups and communities, and the worldwide impact of the work from the UK’s largest independent provider of music therapy.
Develop the skills of a music therapist

You’ll discover how the approach to music therapy has evolved to meet the needs of our changing world, and the critical skills needed to become a music therapist, such as the importance of listening.

You’ll also have an opportunity to explore therapeutic development through shared music therapy case studies.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the importance of music therapy, your relationship with music, and the role of a music therapist.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction - Music and You

Week 2: The importance of listening

Week 3: The History of Nordoff Robbins

Week 4: It takes two...

Week 5: Nordoff Robbins work in groups and community settings

Week 6: Conclusion

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Summarise the core principles underlying Nordoff Robbins music therapy

- Compare the ideas presented in the course to your own experience of music making

- Critique older Nordoff Robbins ideas and literature in the context of the culture of their time, and compare to more recent developments

- Debate the implications of music therapy ideas and practice for wider society, particularly the roles available to disabled and disadvantaged people

- Evaluate the salient musical details that contribute to a particular musical interaction

- Reflect on the nature of music, its place in human development, individual experience, society and culture

- Develop your understanding of music therapy further, and engage with the wider world of practice, opportunities and literature in music therapy
Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in music therapy and the Nordoff Robbins approach.

You don’t need any prior experience to join this introductory course.
What software or tools do you need?

You’ll need to be able to access the course through your computer or through a mobile device. Additionally we would recommend the use of a ‘reflective journal’ where you can make your own notes.