Music therapy is the application of music interventions by a board-certified music therapist to address non-musical goals to help maintain or improve function in multiple domains. Music therapy may be used to address goals in the following areas: speech and language/communication, cognitive, sensorimotor, spiritual, and social-emotional.

Learn more at musictherapy.org!

A music therapist must first complete a bachelors or masters equivalency degree in music therapy at an accredited university. After coursework is completed, they must complete a 1200 hour clinical internship and then pass their board certification exam. They then receive the MT-BC designation and can begin practicing as a professional music therapist. 

"NMT is a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behavior function."
"NMT is defined as the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, affective, sensory, language, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system. It is for any population including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, mental health, and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, communication, and psychosocial function."

NMT uses 20 standardized techniques to achieve goals in cognitive, sensorimotor, and speech/language need areas. As an NMT, I am trained to utilize these techniques in my practice, as well as advocate for NMT to be used as a standard in healthcare. 

Learn more at nmtacademy.co!

A music therapist must participate in an official NMT®  Academy 30 hour training and then pass the final test in order to earn the designation of Neurologic Music Therapist.
If that NMT participates in additional training and completes the NMT® fellowship, they are designated as an NMT Fellow. 

Music therapists are trained to work with multiple populations. You may see music therapists working in children's hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, addiction treatment, mental health facilities, schools, residential homes, veterans affairs, and even private practice. In fact, there is hardly anywhere a music therapist CAN'T work!

Music has long been regarded as a universal language, something that transcends differences and unites people. When we think of improving quality of life and fostering independence, it seems natural that music has a leading role. Music also causes our brain to create new pathways and connections, reaching multiple areas even after damage has occurred and allowing people to regain function. The way that our bodies react to music is heavily researched and documented, and music therapists use this evidence in practice to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care.