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Neurologic Music Therapy NMT Hills District Norwest
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT)™
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT)™ is a set of standardised, research-based approaches for treating the brain that use specific musical aspects such as rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, etc.
NMT™ is not simply playing or listening to music; it is a structured, therapeutic intervention that uses the brain’s response to music to improve neurological function. It is a powerful tool in both rehabilitation and long-term care.
What is a Neurologic Music Therapist?
A Neurologic Music Therapist is a professional who specialises in the neuroscience of music perception, music production/creation, and cognition. The Neurologic Music Therapist employs standardised procedures to address non-musical objectives such as speech, physical movement, cognition, and other functional abilities. Music is emphasised as therapy, with specific parts of music used into therapeutic activities as research suggests, in order to optimise function and/or reroute neuropathways to attain functionality.
What is the difference between Neurologic Music Therapy and regular music therapy?
While general music therapy uses music to treat a variety of patient needs (emotional, physical, mental, etc.), neurologic music therapy is an evidence-based treatment system that trains not only Music Therapists but also other allied professionals such as Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, neuropsychologists, and so on. NMT™ Affiliates are trained in the neuroscience of music, including how individual elements cause changes in the brain and brain connections (neuropathways) using research-based methodologies. These strategies are interwoven in therapeutic music exercises and are used consistently based on the client’s therapeutic goals.
Neurologic Music Therapists are trained professionals who must have undergone additional training above and beyond regular music therapy certification to get their NMT™ status.
Clinical Applications
NMT™ is commonly used with individuals who have:
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Cerebral palsy
Autism spectrum disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Sensorimotor Techniques
Sensorimotor techniques are used to improve movement.
1. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)
Uses rhythm (like a metronome or music beat) to improve gait (walking speed, stride, and symmetry).
2. Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE)
Uses musical elements (pitch, dynamics, tempo) to cue functional movements (e.g., reaching, lifting).
3. Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP)
Playing instruments in ways that simulate or assist physical movement (e.g., drumming to improve arm strength).
Speech/Language Techniques
These speech and language techniques support clearer communication.
4. Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT)
Uses singing to facilitate speech, often helpful for people with expressive aphasia.
5. Musical Speech Stimulation (MUSTIM)
Uses familiar songs or lyrics to prompt automatic speech responses.
6. Rhythmic Speech Cuing (RSC)
Applies rhythm to help with timing and fluency in speech production.
7. Vocal Intonation Therapy (VIT)
Uses vocal exercises (tone, pitch, breath control) to strengthen voice and speech control.
8. Therapeutic Singing (TS)
Singing is used to support breath, articulation, and voice projection.
9. Oral Motor and Respiratory Exercises (OMREX)
Uses musical exercises to improve muscle control for speech and breathing.
10. Developmental Speech and Language Training Through Music (DSLM)
Uses music (songs, musical play) to teach communication in children with speech/language delays.
Cognitive Techniques
Cognitive techniques sharpen mental processing.
11. Musical Attention Control Training (MACT)
Uses structured music activities to train different types of attention (sustained, selective, divided).
12. Musical Memory Training (MMT)
Uses melody, rhythm, and repetition to aid memory recall and retention.
13. Musical Executive Function Training (MEFT)
Helps with planning, problem-solving, and decision-making using music-based tasks.
14. Music Psychosocial Training and Counseling (MPC)
Uses music in group or individual therapy to address emotional, behavioral, or social needs.
15. Music in Psychosocial Development (MPD)
Uses music to support social and emotional development, particularly in children or adolescents.
16. Music-Supported Cognitive Stimulation (MSCS)
Combines music with other cognitive training to stimulate brain activity in dementia or brain injury.
Other (Multimodal/Supportive Techniques)
17. Environmental Sound Training (EST)
Uses real-world or recorded sounds to help patients with auditory processing or sound recognition.
18. Music for Auditory Perception Training (MAPT)
Focuses on enhancing sound discrimination and listening skills.
19. Musical Neglect Training (MNT)
Uses music to help people with spatial neglect (e.g., not noticing things on one side after a stroke).
20. Music-Based Sensory Integration (MSI)
Integrates auditory, visual, and tactile inputs through music to support sensory processing.