Neurological Music Therapy Training
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is an evidence-based practice utilizing neuroscience-based understanding of the brain’s capacity for perception and production of music. This approach has been employed successfully in treating neurological patients who have impaired cognition, sensory or motor functioning.
Music therapists collaborate with their client to identify specific objectives and craft exercises tailored to those results. This may involve using a variety of methods and techniques tailored for each individual’s needs.
Typically, each session lasts an hour and is tailored to each client’s individual needs. Additionally, the therapist provides additional resources to aid in progress such as CDs or videos of exercises specific to that client.
Depending on the client’s therapeutic objectives, various instruments are employed. These may include hand bells and mini guitars.
Small and portable instruments make them easily accessible for people who may have difficulty moving around in their homes. Furthermore, these activities offer clients a fun and engaging activity without being hindered by physical limitations.
This method can also help improve a client’s motor awareness and coordination, making it especially helpful for those who struggle with their motor skills.
This technique involves playing music with rhythmic patterns and a steady beat, encouraging clients to practice physical movements. Depending on the patient’s goals, the therapist may focus on improving a certain movement or muscle group.
The therapist will use the client’s therapeutic goals and capacity for understanding musical elements to decide what type of music to play for them. This could include selecting a piece that helps them identify a certain movement, or something with various elements like tempo, melody, meter and form.
NMT (Neuromuscular Therapy) is an excellent way to focus a person’s attention when they are working on tasks that require concentration. For instance, the therapist could use a song that will capture their client’s attention and they could sing along with it.
Alternately, the therapist could give them a rhythmic instrument like a drum or guitar and allow them to focus on the music while practicing their speech or other cognitive activities.
This type of treatment can be beneficial to clients suffering from various illnesses and conditions, such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy and infantile cerebral palsy.
NMT often aims to improve speech and language, motor function and cognitive abilities. Therapists will utilize techniques based on scientific understandings of music perception and production in order to help their clients regain these areas.
Music therapists working with patients with neurological impairments must undergo this type of training. Not only does it aid the healing process for both patient and therapist, but it’s an invaluable asset!