A research-based practice, Neurologic Music Therapy utilizes rhythm and the therapeutic application of music to influence and potentially change the brain.
NMT is based on a neuroscience model of music perception and production, and the influence of music on functional changes
in non musical brain and behavior functions.
NMT techniques are standardized and evidence-based through scientific and clinical research. Research has shown that when the brain is engaged in music, more neurons are firing at the same time throughout the brain. Therefore, more connections are being made and more neuropathways are created which can improve brain function. To learn more about NMT you can go to http://www.colostate.edu/dept/cbrm/ or read Rhythm, Music, and the Brain: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Applications by Dr. Michael Thaut
Neurologic Music Therapists must first complete a bachelor's or master’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved college and university program. In addition to the academic coursework, the bachelor's degree requires 1200 hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship. Graduate degrees in Music Therapy focus on advanced clinical practice and research. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, music therapists are eligible to take the national board certification exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified) which is necessary for professional practice. The credential MT-BC is granted by a separate, accredited organization, the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The board identifies and certifies music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice at the current level of the profession. (from AMTA)
Then, to become an NMT, which is an advanced level of training and not required for all music therapists, a music therapist must complete a 4-day, 30-hour training institute at the Robert F. Unkefer’ Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy which allows the board-certified music therapist to practice and use the professional designation of Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT). Upon completing the initial training, a neurologic music therapist can pursue the advanced training held at the Academy for the Advanced Training Institute after the first three years to become a Fellow of the Academy (NMT Fellow). The status of Fellow of the Academy may then be maintained by successful completion of an advanced training institute every five years thereafter.
Special Music, Inc. provides Neurologic Music Therapy services for clients ages 1-20 years old with a wide variety of neurologic disorders including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Aspergers Syndrome
- Tuberous Sclerosis
- Down Syndrome
- Williams Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Developmental Delay
- Nonverbal Learning Disorder
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Sensory processing and modulation disorders
- Dyspraxia
- Fragile X
Yes. We offer ongoing individual and small group NMT sessions. We also offer music therapy social skills groups throughout the year in 6-week intervals. Click here to read more about our services.
A regular NMT individual or small group treatment session is 50 minutes with about 5-10 minutes to recap the session with parents/caregivers and to discuss client progress as well as to offer suggestions to carry out at home.
Usually individual treatment sessions are once a week, but this is dependent on the child’s individual NMT treatment plan as well as funding sources.
The social skills music therapy groups are a full hour long, and they run throughout the year in 6-week intervals. Group dates and times are posted on our homepage under "Quick Links."
You can call or email Special Music, Inc. and speak to Beth Wiskus to set up an initial intake session. Following that intake session, a thorough NMT evaluation is done which may include Beth’s observations and/or consultations with physicians, clinicians or teachers who work with the client. Next, functional therapeutic treatment goals are established, and Beth uses standardized NMT techniques to achieve these goals during the regular treatment sessions. These techniques target three treatment domains:
- Sensorimotor Training
- Speech & Language Training
- Cognitive Training
Each individual therapy session depends upon the individual therapeutic goals for that child, but in general a regular therapy session targets the three NMT treatment domains using various NMT techniques and interventions which may include:
Sensorimotor Training
- Uses rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo and dynamic cues to address areas of gait and functional fine and gross motor movements
- Utilizes the following NMT Techniques: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) and Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE)
- Makes use of the following musical interventions:
- rhythm to establish and sustain a steady gait pattern
- walking and tapping a drum, jumping on a trampoline, bouncing or rolling on a therapy ball, marching, dancing and playing rhythm instruments to a steady rhythmic pulse to work on gross motor regulation and coordination (e.g. crossing mid line, bilateral arm movements).
- playing the keyboard or autoharp to work on fine motor skills such as finger isolation.
Speech & Language Training
- Uses rhythm, singing, oral motor exercises, musical performance exercises and other musical elements to facilitate initiation, development and articulation of speech; to increase respiratory strength; and to simulate speech, language pragmatics, speech gestures and non-verbal communication.
- Utilizes the following NMT Techniques: Musical Speech Stimulation (MUSTIM), Rhythmic Speech Cuing (RSC), Vocal Intonation Therapy (VIT), Therapeutic Singing (TS), Oral Motor and Respiratory Exercises (OMREX), Developmental Speech and Language Training Through Music (DSLM), Symbolic Communication Training through Music (SYCOM)
- Makes use of the following musical interventions:
- singing to improve voice inflection, volume or intelligibility
- rhythm to increase or decrease rate of speech
- vocal exercises using various wind instruments such as whistles to increase oral motor muscle control and breath support
- musical exercises and improvisation techniques to train communication behaviors such as dialoging and initiating, sustaining or terminating a conversation
Cognitive Training
- Uses musical exercises, performance, improvisation and composition to address the following: areas of auditory perception, discrimination, and sensory integration; sustained, selective, divided and alternating attention functions; executive functioning skills (e.g. problem solving, decision making and comprehension); sequencing and memory; and social skills.
- Utilizes the following NMT Techniques: Musical Neglect Training (MNT), Auditory Perception Training (APT), Musical Attention Control Training (MACT), Musical Mnemonics Training (MMT), Echoic Mnemonics (EM), Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT), Music Psychotherapy and Counseling (MPC)
- Makes use of the following musical interventions:
- playing musical instruments, performing songs and composing music to work on attention, memory, auditory discrimination, executive functioning skills (e.g. decision making and problem solving) and social skills.
- playing musical instruments, performing songs and composing music to work on attention, memory, auditory discrimination, executive functioning skills (e.g. decision making and problem solving) and social skills.
Coverage varies from client to client. For more information please contact Special Music, Inc. and speak with Beth Wiskus directly at 612-251-8991.
