Music, Time, and Self: A Time Model for Nordoff-Robbins Clinical Improvisation

A temporal aspect of music therapy treatment can be observed in the improvisational sessions of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. Using excerpts from ten of the children with whom they worked, four temporal phases become evident: augmented time frame, playing in synchronization, emotional time frame, and synchronization discrepancies. In addition, the related cognitive aspects lead to unfolding the child's self across each time phase, referencing Daniel Stern's layered self-theory and additional intersubjective music therapy approaches of Trevarthen and Trondalen. This analysis includes practical recommendations for music therapists, along with a framework for assessing the range of temporal phases a client might experience in the course of music therapy sessions. Guidelines for possible interventions are suggested.