The Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy developed from the pioneering work of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins in the 1950s/60s. It is grounded in the belief that everyone can respond to music, no matter how ill or disabled. The unique qualities of music as therapy can enhance communication, support change, and enable people to live more resourcefully and creatively. There are several Nordoff Robbins centres worldwide.
Nordoff Robbins is a registered UK charity that receives no statutory funding. 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 programme with regular public courses and conferences.
Nordoff Robbins runs the annual Silver Clef Awards that bring together the cream of the music sector to raise money for the charity.
Nordoff Robbins patrons include: Brian Bennett, Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, Def Leppard, Roger Daltrey, Dido, Dire Straits, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones, Jay Kay, M People, Hank Marvin, Brian May, George Michael, Pink Floyd (including guitarist David Gilmour), Marti Pellow, Sir Cliff Richard, Keith Richards, Mike Rutherford, Status Quo, Sting, Rod Stewart, Roger Waters, Bill Wyman, Oasis (2008), The Scorpions and Muse.