Introductory courses
If you are interested in music therapy, or considering training in music therapy, one of the events advertised on this page may be of interest to you.
- Taster Sessions - What is Nordoff Robbins music therapy?
- 10 Week Introductory Course (London)
- 10 Week Improvisation Course (London)
- 10 Week Introductory Course (Poole)
- 10 Week Introductory Course (Newcastle)
To apply for any of the courses listed on this page please download the relevant form from the Application Forms page.
See our Education Events Diary to find out when these courses run, or email Gemma Fleet, Education Administrator.
Taster Sessions - What is Nordoff Robbins music therapy?
If you know nothing about music therapy and would like to know more, a Taster Session is for you. It includes an introduction to Nordoff Robbins music therapy, presentations of music therapy work and an experiential improvisation. Both musicians and non musicians are welcome. The Taster Session fee is deductable from the cost of any introductory courses booked within 3 months.
Taster Sessions usually run from 10.00 to 1.00 several times a year at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre.
Click here to see when this course next runs.
10 Week Introductory Course (London):
An Introduction to Nordoff Robbins music therapy - a creative approach
Course Tutors: Jasenka Horvat / Claire Hope
This course usually runs three times a year beginning January, April and September on Monday evenings 6.15-8.15pm at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre.
Click here to see when this course next runs.
What does the course aim to do?
To give a theoretical introduction to the Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy, illustrated by case-studies and experiential improvisation.
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is a first level introduction to music therapy and no previous musical experience is required. It is suitable for professionals in health, education or social care, those caring for or considering referring clients for music therapy, those considering music therapy as a career, and interested members of the public.
Content
Each session includes:
- The presentation and discussion of clinical material with a wide range of client groups (adults, adolescents and children) including autistic spectrum/communication disorders, emotional/ behavioural disturbance, mental illness, and learning and physical disabilities.
- Experiential group improvisations. As well as providing a direct musical experience, the essential qualities of listening in a creative music therapy context are explored throughout. Please note this is not a therapy group.
NB This course is NOT a qualification to practise as a music therapist, and does not set out to impart specific musical or therapeutic skills.
Jasenka Horvat is Acting Head Music Therapist at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre and a Senior Tutor on the Master of Music Therapy degree training programme.
Claire Hope is a Senior Music Therapist at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre
Cost and Booking
Course fee: £265 (no concessions)
To avoid disappointment early booking is advised.
For further information about the course or booking, please email:
gemma.fleet@nordoff-robbins.org.uk.
Click here to see when this course next runs.
To apply for this course please download the relevant form from the Application Forms page.
10 Week Improvisation Course (London): Improvisation and Keyboard Harmony- a creative approach
Course Tutor: Matthew Dixon
This course usually runs three times a year beginning January, April and September on Tuesday evenings 6.15-8.15pm at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre.
Click here to see when this course next runs.
Who is the course for?
- Anyone wishing to develop their confidence and skills in improvisation, particularly at the keyboard.
- Anyone applying for a music therapy training programme who needs to improve their improvisation and keyboard skills.
What experience do I need?
- A high level of skill on one musical instrument (not necessarily the piano).
- Keyboard facility.
- Fluency in spoken English.
What does the course aim to do?
- To provide basic knowledge of and experience in some improvisation techniques and skills, which can be used on a variety of instruments as well as voice.
- To provide a basic facility in keyboard harmony.
- To develop awareness and listening in making music together.
NB This course does NOT guarantee a place on any music therapy training programme.
Matthew Dixon is a Senior Music Therapist at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre. He teaches some components of musical resources on the Nordoff Robbins Master of Music Therapy degree training programme. Matthew is also an orchestral oboist and jazz pianist.
Cost and Booking
Course fee: £265 (no concessions).
To avoid disappointment early booking is advised.
Click here to see when this course next runs.
For further information about the course or booking, please email: gemma.fleet@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
To apply for this course please download the relevant form from the Application Forms page.
10 Week Introductory Course (Poole):
An Introduction to Nordoff Robbins music therapy - a creative approach
Course Tutors: Rachel Millman and Alison Hornblower
Organised by Nordoff Robbins South West, this course runs on Wednesday evenings at the Sea View Day Centre in Croft Road, Poole, Dorset. (Click here for map).
Click here to see when this course next runs.
What does the course aim to do?
To give a theoretical introduction to the Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy, illustrated by case-studies and experiential improvisation.
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is a first level introduction to music therapy and no previous musical experience is required. It is suitable for professionals in health, education or social care, those caring for or considering referring clients for music therapy, those considering music therapy as a career, and interested members of the public.
Content
Each session includes:
- The presentation and discussion of clinical material with a wide range of client groups (adults, adolescents and children) including autistic spectrum/communication disorders, emotional/ behavioural disturbance, mental illness, and learning and physical disabilities.
- Experiential group improvisations. As well as providing a direct musical experience, the essential qualities of listening in a creative music therapy context are explored throughout. Please note this is not a therapy group.
NB This course is NOT a qualification to practise as a music therapist, and does not set out to impart specific musical or therapeutic skills.
Rachel Millman is Head Music Therapist for Nordoff Robbins South West. Alison Hornblower is a Senior Music Therapist working for Nordoff Robbins South West in projects across Bournemouth and Poole.
Cost and Booking
Course fee: £265 (no concessions)
Click here to see when this course next runs.
For further information about the course or booking, please email gemma.fleet@nordoff-robbins.org.uk.
To apply for this course please download the relevant form from the Application Forms page.
10 Week Introductory Course (Newcastle):
An Introduction to Nordoff Robbins music therapy - a creative approach
Course Tutor: Janet Graham
Organised by Nordoff Robbins North East, this course runs on Monday evenings 6.00-8.00 pm at Newcastle Central Library. (Click here for map).
Click here to see when this course next runs.
What does the course aim to do?
To give a theoretical introduction to the Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy, illustrated by case-studies and experiential improvisation.
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is a first level introduction to music therapy and no previous musical experience is required. It is suitable for professionals in health, education or social care, those caring for or considering referring clients for music therapy, those considering music therapy as a career, and interested members of the public.
Content
Each session includes:
- The presentation and discussion of clinical material with a wide range of client groups (adults, adolescents and children) including autistic spectrum/communication disorders, emotional/ behavioural disturbance, mental illness, and learning and physical disabilities.
- Experiential group improvisations. As well as providing a direct musical experience, the essential qualities of listening in a creative music therapy context are explored throughout. Please note this is not a therapy group.
NB This course is NOT a qualification to practise as a music therapist, and does not set out to impart specific musical or therapeutic skills.
Janet Graham worked as a composer and piano teacher before training as a music therapist at the Nordoff Robbins London Centre in 1989-90. She worked for many years as a music therapist in London and Hertfordshire, and as a tutor on the Nordoff Robbins London training programme, before moving to Co. Durham in October 2007. She now works at two care centres in Billingham and Peterlee, respectively, and is Head Music Therapist for Nordoff Robbins North East.
Cost and Booking
Course fee: £225 (no concessions)
Click here to see when this course next runs.
For further information about the course or booking, please email nrmt.northeast@nordoff-robbins.org.uk.
To apply for this course please download the relevant form from the Application Forms page.