The power of music to integrate
and cure. . . is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest non-chemical
medication.
- Dr. Oliver Sacks, Neurologist
"Awakenings"
What Is Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)?
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is defined as
the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor
dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system.
NMT is an advanced specialized area of training that is pursued beyond the Music
Therapy Degree.
NMT is based on a neuroscience model of music perception and production and the
influence of music on functional changes on nonmusical brain and behavior
functions.
NMT Treatment Techniques are:
Research/evidence-based and are directed toward functional goals.
Standardized and applied to therapy as Therapeutic Music Interventions which are
adaptable to the patient*s needs.
Who Can Benefit From NMT?
Populations served by Neurologic Music Therapists include, but
are not limited to:
Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's Disease, Huntingdon's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer's Disease, Autism and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement and communication.
What Is NMT Used For?
Techniques Are Used In 3 Areas focusing on Rehabilitative,
Developmental, and Adaptive Goals:
Sensorimotor Training
(walking, transfer training, ADLs, range of motion
exercises, muscle strengthening/endurance, balance/safety)
Cognitive Training
(attention and perception, memory, executive function,
psychosocial behavior)
Speech/Language Training
(breathing exercises, oral motor exercises, vocal exercises to improve
production, volume, inflection and prosody of speech)
How Is An NMT Trained?
The Board Certified Music Therapist must complete an initial
training which provides knowledge of advanced clinical training and scientific
research in the field of NMT. Upon completion, the music therapist is granted
the designation of NMT for up to 2 years.
The NMT must then complete an advanced
institute within two years after the initial training. This institute requires
the NMT, under peer review, to present video taped and live case demonstration
of him/her implementing various NMT techniques. Upon successful completion of
the advanced institute, the NMT will be registered as a Fellow of the Academy
indicating continued education and peer review in the clinical applications of
NMT. The status of Fellow of the Academy may then be maintained by successful
completion of an advanced training institute every five years thereafter.
In addition to music therapy training, the NMT
is educated in neuroanatomy/physiology, brain pathologies, medical terminology
and rehabilitation of cognitive and/or motor functions.
For more information you can e-mail us at Info@mtprogressions.com
or log onto http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CBRM