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Advanced Applications of Clinical Musicianship in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy

Summer Program

​Mon-Fri, ​July ​27 ​– ​July ​31, ​2026
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST

This program is offered in a hybrid format; participants can attend in person or remotely over Zoom. This program is open to college students and professionals only. If you are a high school student, please see our "Introduction to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy for High School Students 2026" offering.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy: Foundations, Improvisational Resources, and Clinical Applications

The level of instruction presupposes the ability to accompany oneself while singing; play scales and chord progressions in a variety of keys; basic knowledge of chord structure and harmony; approximately five years of experience on one harmonic instrument, preferably piano or guitar. Improvisation skills not required. Please note: we welcome people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including music therapy students and interested professionals.

Program Fee*:

Early Bird In-Person Registration (register by April 1, 2026): $975 per five-day program
Regular In-Person Registration: $1,050 per five-day program
Remote Registration: $930 per five-day program
*Some partial scholarships are available.

Learning Objectives:

This program will include:

  1. Techniques and approaches to improvisation in Nordoff-Robbins music therapy.
  2. Musical styles and modes as they relate to clinical practice.
  3. Clinical music composition.
  4. Supervision of participants video or audio clinical excerpts.

If you are attending remotely in the comfort of your own home, you will be able to participate in the program with your piano or guitar at hand – experimenting with the musical concepts as they are introduced.

Instructors: Alan Turry, DA, MT-BC, LCAT, Faculty Liaison; Zachary Kandler, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, Director, Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy; Mariana Aslan, MA, LCAT, MT-BC; and NYU Steinhardt Nordoff-Robbins Center staff

This program is an opportunity to earn 30 CMTEs. 

Schedule and Format: The program is scheduled for 9:30am–4:30pm (Eastern Time) with a total of 120 minutes of break time each day. Format includes short lectures, video excerpts of clinical work as they relate to an area of clinical musicianship, and a strong emphasis on experiential workshops and music making. Participants will have many opportunities to workshop improvisational techniques individually, in pairs, and in groups. There will also be opportunities for participants to share clinical excerpts, which will be used to spontaneously develop clinical musicianship exercises for the entire group.   

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Enrollment is limited. If there is insufficient enrollment, the program will be canceled and all fees refunded. Your place in the program will be guaranteed if we receive payment in full by July 13, 2026. A 50% refund will be given for cancellations requested up until 14 days prior to the start date. No refunds will be given within the 2 weeks prior to the start date. Registered participants who cannot attend may send a substitute with prior notification.

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Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy

The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy is committed to the belief that everyone possesses a sensitivity to music that can be utilized for personal growth and development.

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