About Nordoff-Robbins

We take our name from composer Paul Nordoff and special educator Clive Robbins who first developed the creative music therapy approach. This approach focuses on awakening an inborn musicality in every client in order to develop his or her full potential as a human being. In creative music therapy we use improvised live music to build a relationship between therapist and clients where clients interact and communicate directly through music. It is an interactive and participatory form of therapy where the music acts as the agent for change and healing.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd was founded in 1984 to promote and develop the understanding, training and practice of creative music therapy. Enid Rowe a Sydney based music teacher trained in music therapy in London and brought Nordoff-Robbins to Australia in 1978. Enid’s tireless work in establishing Nordoff-Robbins as well as fund raising for a future centre laid the foundations for all that what we have today.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd (NRMTA) was incorporated in 1997 and is part of a network of Nordoff-Robbins centres and training programs throughout the world including England, Scotland, USA, Germany, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

We are a non-profit company limited by guarantee and are a registered charity. Our work is directed through the our purpose built Centre on the grounds of the University of Western Sydney, Penrith Campus.

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd
ACN 078 602 089
Registered Charity CFN 13789

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd (NRMTA) was founded in 1984 to promote and develop the understanding, training and practice of creative music therapy.