A bit about Nordoff and Robbins

We’re Nordoff and Robbins – the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Last year alone we supported nearly 17,000 people with over 55,000 music therapy sessions. We’ve been developing our unique approach for more than 60 years.

We support some of the UK’s most isolated people. This could look like helping an autistic child communicate and connect with another person, or creating a space for a young person dealing with complex mental health challenges to process their emotions.

We work with over 300 education, health and social care organisations. This includes schools, hospitals, day centres, care homes and hospices. We provide music therapy to the people they support. 

What our clients say

We asked people around the country about the impact our work has had.

• 92% of pupils who had music therapy said that it improved their mental health.*
• 89% of pupils who had music therapy said that we improved their quality of life.*
• 96% of pupils who had music therapy said that we gave them a positive creative experience*
• 92% of staff said that music therapy helped their pupils to communicate better.**
• 94% of staff said that music therapy improved relationships between staff and pupils.**

Results based on *2,870 people surveyed and **1,534 people surveyed.

Our work with pupils with special educational needs

We’ve worked with hundreds of pupils in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mainstream schools over the years. Through the specialist use of music, we support every student to achieve meaningful progress, feel supported, and thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment. Our music therapy service is here to provide specialist, person-centered support that is creative, measurable, impactful and, of course, musical.

Our masters trained Music Therapists-in-Residence work alongside staff to deliver tailored, evidence-based music therapy aligned with each student’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Whether working 1:1 in small or large groups, our therapists bring expertise in using music as a tool to unlock potential and nurture connection. Our therapists are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

How music therapy can benefit students

• Communication skills: Encouraging interaction, turn-taking, listening and intentional communication.
• Emotional regulation: Providing an outlet to process emotions and reduce anxiety.
• Social development: Strengthening relationships, teamwork, and social understanding.
• Physical skills: Supporting motor control, mobility, and coordination.
• Transition support: Helping students adapt to new routines and environments.

Music therapy impacts your school community too

Music therapy doesn’t just benefit students, it can impact staff and families, too. Teachers often report that, because of music therapy, they see:

• Improved classroom engagement following therapy sessions.
• A deeper understanding of students’ individual needs.
• A collaborative relationship with therapists to address key areas for development.

Music therapy has become an integral part of our provision. It enables students to achieve things that traditional approaches haven’t unlocked, from initiating communication to managing emotions more effectively. The progress we’ve seen is incredible.

SEN School Headteacher

Why choose Nordoff and Robbins?

We create exceptional opportunities made possible by the unique brilliance of every child we make music with.

• Specialist expertise: With over 60 years’ experience, we‘re a trusted provider of high-quality music therapy, education and research led by HCPC-registered therapists, with a robust Quality Assurance framework.
• Tailored to your school: Each provision is tailored to meet the needs of students, the school’s specific priorities and to integrate into existing provision.
• Proven impact: Music Therapy is regulated by the HCPC, and a practice backed by evidence showing wide-reaching benefits across communication, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing.

How much does music therapy cost?

Our organisation is uniquely positioned with in-house research, training, delivery and clinical supervision resource. This allows us to offer comprehensive packages tailored to specific priorities. As a result, our pricing structure varies depending on the scope and nature of the services required.

As an indicative example, the cost of one full day of tailored music therapy per week across a year is £14,535 per annum.

How can I refer my school?

If you’re interested in music therapy in your school, please fill out the form below and our team will be in touch soon.