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Breaking through with the power of music

We create space for people to express themselves and find connection in society

Make a difference

Help support some of the UK’s most isolated and vulnerable people, train the music therapists of tomorrow, and fund the research that makes our work increasingly effective.

Who we are

Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years of practice.

Who we help

By harnessing the power of music, we help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.

The difference we make

Our work can be transformative, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family to a child with autism finding their voice.

A music therapist and client high five each other whilst smiling and sitting in front of an electronic keyboard.

Music therapy

Music therapy as unique as every person

Working one-to-one or with small groups, our therapists create a platform for people to express themselves and share a connection. No one is being taught, no one is being fixed. Therapist and client make music together as equals, responding to each other’s cues. No two sessions are the same, because no two clients are the same.

Learn about our services

Our history

Sixty years of innovation

In 1959, American musician Paul Nordoff and British teacher Clive Robbins pioneered a new approach to collaborative music-making, designed to engage vulnerable and isolated children.

In the 1970s, a charity was formed to develop and deliver their radical but highly impactful form of music therapy. Over the decades, our work has continued to broaden and evolve.

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Music is in our DNA

We believe that music is a human right

We’ve all felt music’s potency, how it unlocks feelings and memories and brings us together. It’s a universal language, a mode of communication. Imagine if music alone gave you the power to communicate. Then imagine a life without music.

For some of the people we work with, this is their reality. We work to ensure that everyone who could benefit from music therapy does.

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We’re reliant upon the generosity of people like you. We receive no government funding, so the transformative work we do is built upon the support of people who share our mission.

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