Edinburgh Napier University

Introduction to Music Therapy

Music has the power to connect us, even when words fail. There are many people who, because of the barriers of illness, disability or social isolation, have few opportunities to express themselves and engage with others. Music therapy helps to break through those barriers. It is an HCPC-regulated allied health profession, requiring a two-year Masters qualification to register as a music therapist.

This two-day short course will offer a thorough introduction to the broad and fascinating field of music therapy, in particular the Nordoff Robbins approach. It will be a lively and active event full of music-making, discussion and sharing of points of view in a mutually supportive environment. You will have a chance to learn about the history of music therapy approaches, the theories and supporting evidence for the work, examine detailed case studies, and explore practical music-making through experiential workshop activities.

The course is suitable for anyone interested in learning about music therapy; allied health professionals, education staff, students, carers and family members, community musicians, arts facilitators, prospective music therapy trainees and any other interested individuals.

The summer school will be run by experienced music therapists from the charity Nordoff & Robbins. Nordoff & Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, delivering music therapy services, education and research across the country. To find out more about Nordoff & Robbins, visit: https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/

How you'll be taught

Teaching will take place in the Music Department at Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston Campus. The course will take place over two consecutive days over 12-14 hours. The course will comprise a combination of presented theoretical and case study material alongside experiential practical workshops.

There will be no formal assessment, but a certificate of attendance will be provided for those who successfully complete the course.

Course dates

The course will take place on Tuesday 22^nd and Wednesday 23^rd July 2025 from 10am – 4pm including breaks.

On the day following this course, an additional day of teaching will focus on practical skills to use music in adult care. For more information see Caring with Music

Cost

The full fee for the two-day course is £160. A discounted student/unemployed rate of £100 is also available.

If you are also attending the Caring with Music training on Thursday 24^th July, a discounted rate is available to cover all three days: full price £210, student/unemployed £130.

Further information

If you have any questions about the course, please get in touch with the School of Arts and Creative Industries via saci@napier.ac.uk

Testimonial 

It was a fantastic course and I particularly valued the reflective practice and opportunities to make music with others. The tutors were excellent in the approach, knowledge and encouragement to 'have a go'. Thank you!

Nordoff Robbins Terms and Conditions

• No refunds will be given for cancellations made by you to an event or for non-attendance for any reason.  
• Nordoff Robbins reserve the right, in their absolute discretion, to cancel your booking where they need to do so for any reason, or due to circumstances outside of their control.  
• If Nordoff Robbins does have to cancel your booking, then they shall refund your booking payment (in full as soon as possible) or offer you an alternative Event if one is available. You have the choice of accepting the refund, a credit note or attending the alternative Event.  
• Nordoff Robbins shall have no liability for losses or costs which you may incur due to such cancellation.  
• Nordoff Robbins will refund any money received from you using the same method originally used by you to pay for your purchase, and reserve the right to refund using an alternative method.
• Nordoff Robbins reserve the right to cancel your booking if you are more than 30 days in arrears with any payment due to us.