Clifford Nordoff was an American composer and music educator, best known for his contributions to the field of music therapy. He co-developed the Nordoff-Robbins approach, which emphasizes the use of improvisational music to help individuals with various emotional and developmental challenges. His work has had a lasting impact on how music is used in therapeutic settings. Nordoff collaborated with Alan Robbins, and together they created a method that integrates music into the healing process. Their approach has been widely adopted in hospitals, schools, and therapy centers, making music a vital tool for enhancing communication and emotional expression in those with special needs.