Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT)
Neurologic Music Therapy®
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT) is the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunction due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system.
NMT is based on the neuroscience model of music perception and production, and the influence of music on non-musical brain behaviours.
The NMT interventions have been developed based on the neuroscience of how music can stimulate or influence responses in non-musical behaviours. Goal areas addressed in NMT include: movement, speech, and cognition.
NMT interventions are research and evidence-based and are standardized.
NMT is recognized by the World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation, the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies, and the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology.
Movement
NMT interventions can be used to support physiotherapy goals. Melody and rhythm can cue movement. Playing instruments can be used to practice specific movements with auditory feedback.
Speech
NMT interventions can address speech rehabilitation for various forms of aphasia and apraxia. Music-based interventions can help improve voice volume, articulation, word retrieval, and word fluency.
Cognition
Music-based cognitive tasks can be used to improve attention, executive function, and memory. Melody, rhythm, and harmony engage attention, the foundations of all cognitive functions.