What Is Neurologic Music Therapy®?
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) is an evidence-based treatment system that uses standardized techniques to address non-musical goals such as speech, physical movement, cognition, and other functional abilities. The therapist focuses on the music as therapy, emphasizing specific elements of music (rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, etc) in order to address client goals and individual needs.
How Does It Work?
Research has shown that music can be used to help build new connections in the brain (called neuropathways). By focusing on music as therapy, the therapist can work to optimize function and/or reroute neuropathways in the brain, thus improving brain function and leading to a more productive and functional life.
For more information and research on Neurologic Music Therapy® techniques, visit: nmtacademy.co
What Does It Look Like?
Neurologic Music Therapy® sessions may not look the same for every client. Treatment techniques and Therapeutic Music Interventions used during each session are determined based on an individual’s needs, their therapeutic goals, and their personal interests.
For example, one client working on speech may practice using their voice by singing along to rhythmic guitar playing, while another client may prepare their vocal muscles by playing wind instruments. One client working on attention may be encouraged to play a musical instrument while concentrating on remaining seated on their chair, while another client may be asked to wander around the room and focus on playing instruments at the same speed as the therapist. One client working on physical movement may focus on improving range of motion by reaching for musical instruments placed by the therapist in various locations, while another client may engage in stretches while the therapist provides a musical accompaniment that cues the desired movement.
In general, NMT™ sessions may include singing, instrument playing, rhythmic-based activities, composing/songwriting, improvising, receptive music listening, etc. Although sessions may involve active music-making, no previous music experience is required to benefit from Neurologic Music Therapy®.
For more information about how we use NMT™ to treat specific neurologic conditions, please view our clinical examples below.
What Makes It Different?
Neurologic Music Therapy® is an evidence-based treatment system in which therapists are required to have completed additional training above and beyond standard music therapy certification. To become a Neurologic Music Therapist, one must:
Complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in music therapy.
Complete a 1000-hour supervised internship.
Write and pass the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam.
Apply for and obtain MTA Certification.
Complete the International Training in Neurologic Music Therapy through the R.F. Unkefer Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy™.
Maintain MTA and NMT credentials every 5 years by participating in professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Neurologic Music Therapists are trained in the neuroscience of music and how specific elements drive changes in the brain through specific research-based techniques.
While general music therapy seeks to treat many different areas of need (emotional, physical, mental, etc) through playing, listening to, and/or writing music, NMT™ is the only branch of music therapy that is endorsed by the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation (WFNR), European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies (EFNS), and International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology (CNM) as evidence-based.
Clinical Examples
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can be used with any population. Below are some examples of how NMT™ can be used to treat specific neurologic conditions:
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Executive function developmental impairment is common in children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These problems may result in aggressive behaviour, planning difficulties, and difficulty adapting to changing situations, and may impact the individual’s everyday activities and learning.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address executive function skills through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT)®. For example, an individual that struggles with decision making, problem solving, creative thinking, and/or planning may be asked to participate in a structured songwriting intervention.
By answering questions such as, “What instrument(s) do you want to use?”, and actively engaging in the performance process, the client is required to use executive function strategies that engage the frontal lobes/executive system of the brain. This in turn, leads to stronger connections in the brain and can result in an overall improvement in executive function skills.
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Children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities may struggle with various levels of attention deficits. These problems may result in poor performance at work or school, the inability to complete daily tasks, communication difficulties, and/or memory problems.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address attention skills through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Musical Attention Control Training (MACT)™. For example, an individual that struggles to focus on what someone is saying when having a conversation in a crowded, public space, may be asked to participate in a selective attention intervention.
One selective attention task may involve improvising on an instrument of choice with the therapist. The therapist would also have a second instrument (eg. a triangle) to strike at random moments during the improvisation. The client could then be asked to perform a specific action each time the “signal” (eg. triangle) is heard.
This type of intervention requires the use of the attention system, bilateral frontal lobes, and brainstem. By practicing ignoring what is happening around them and focusing only on the task at hand, the client learns to stay better focused on everyday events that require full concentration in the face of distractions.
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People with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia often experience memory loss resulting in forgetfulness, confusion, difficulties communicating, etc.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address various types of memory through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Musical Mnemonics Training (MMT)™. For example, an individual that struggles to recall personal experiences and events may be asked to listen to music that was popular when they were 15-20 years of age. After recalling an important event from their past, the client would then be encouraged to develop a chant to commemorate the event.
By engaging in an episodic memory intervention, the client is required to use memory systems in the brain, including the bilateral temporal lobes, hippocampus, limbic system, and cerebellum. This can help clients recall additional important and meaningful information from their past life, and revive memories of past experiences that may need to be dealt with in counselling or when exploring the meaning of their life.
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Parkinson’s is commonly characterized by its motor symptoms. These can include, but are not limited to: slowness of movement, rigidity, tremors, and postural instability.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address motor skills through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)®. For example, an individual that demonstrates abnormal gait (eg. walking slowly with short shuffling steps, decreased balance, freezing of gait, etc), may be asked to walk to the beat of a metronome and/or music with a strong 2/4 meter. The tempo (speed) of the metronome and/or music is determined based on initial gait assessments conducted by the therapist and may be slowly modified at increments of 5-10%.
RAS® may function as an external timekeeper that supports the diminished function of the basal ganglia in individuals with Parkinson’s. The reported retention of improved gait performance is up to 3 weeks after 3 weeks of training with RAS®. To see the possible outcomes of RAS® training, click here.
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After a stroke, a person may experience unilateral spatial neglect. This means that the person may show a lack of awareness of their affected side and lack the ability to pay attention to their surroundings. More specifically, the person cannot perceive or process stimuli on the affected side of the body or environment.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address spatial neglect through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Musical Neglect Training (MNT)®. For example, a person who fails to eat the food on the left half of their plate, even though complaining of being hungry, may be asked to participate in MNT®.
One MNT® task may involve playing instruments in an easily memorizable pattern. The therapist could set up 3 instruments spaced from the non-neglect field into the neglect field, such as drum-tambourine-chimes. The auditory feedback would then remind the client of the missing sounds in the pattern and initiate a visual search within the neglect field.
To see an example of Musical Neglect Training (MNT)® in action, click here.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause speech, language, thinking, and swallowing problems. These problems may result in difficulties being understood, controlling speech muscles, understanding what others say or what you read, and/or finding the words to say what you want or need.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) can address speech and language skills through the use of evidence-based techniques such as Musical Speech Stimulation (MUSTIM)™. For example, an individual that demonstrates some level of non-fluent aphasia (telegraphic speech with utterances limited to 4 words or less, and difficulty with spontaneous expression of speech) may be asked to fill-in blanks left by the therapist during a familiar song. This can progress to alternating lines in the song with the therapist, and eventually singing the entire song with or without musical accompaniment.
By engaging in singing and/or intoned speech, the client is required to use many parts of the brain, with additional right-lateralized activation of the superior temporal gyrus, inferior central operculum, and inferior frontal gyrus. This may explain why clients with left hemisphere lesions are able to sing the text of a song even through they are unable to speak the same words.
The Therapeutic Process
At Evergreen Therapy Services, our Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) services always include:
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An initial assessment is required before starting treatment sessions in order to determine the client’s specific needs, and to establish appropriate goals and objectives. This process takes place over two 60-minute meetings.
During each assessment session, the Neurologic Music Therapist will administer standardized assessments, engage the client in music-making, and discuss with the client and/or caregiver(s) the expectations and hopes for what will be accomplished during NMT™ sessions.
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Following the initial assessment, clients will receive an assessment report with detailed evaluation of the client in the following areas: auditory processing/sensory integration, cognitive skills, communication, and motor skills.
This report will also include recommendations for individualized goals and objectives, recommendations for frequency and length of sessions, and any additional treatment plan recommendations.
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Once the treatment plan has been approved by the client and/or caregivers, weekly sessions can commence!
During each session, the Neurologic Music Therapist will use various NMT™ interventions to help the client work towards the goals outlined in the treatment plan.
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Every 6 months, a reassessment and treatment plan review is conducted by the therapist. At this time, the client will receive a detailed update report outlining overall progress, accomplished goals, and potential new goals.
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Written reports are provided at various stages of the therapeutic process:
Initial Assessment Report & Goals (following two assessment sessions).
Update Reports (provided every 6 months).
Closing Report/Treatment Summary (provided after final NMT™ session).
Program Options
Individual NMT™ Sessions
Starting at $86.26 +HST
Individual NMT™ sessions are available for all ages. Sessions may be conducted in-person or online. One-on-one sessions are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length and take place on a weekly basis. Clients are required to complete an initial assessment before commencing with regular weekly sessions.
To book an initial assessment, simply click on the button above. To learn more about individual NMT™ sessions, you may also submit an inquiry via the contact form below.
Group NMT™ Sessions
Starting at $120 +HST
Group NMT™ sessions are available for all ages. Sessions may be conducted in-person or online. Group sessions are limited to 2-4 clients. This allows clients to work towards individualized goals in an engaging environment and exercise various aspects of social interaction. Group sessions are typically 45 or 60 minutes in length and take place on a weekly basis. All clients are required to complete an initial assessment before commencing with regular weekly sessions.
To book an initial assessment, simply click on the button above. To learn more about group NMT™ sessions, you may also submit an inquiry via the contact form below.
Fee Schedule
At Evergreen Therapy Services, our Neurologic Music Therapy® fees are dependent upon the number of clients participating and the length of sessions.
Click on the button below to see our full fee schedule: