NMT always uses the music as the agent of change in a session – it is music AS therapy, not just music IN therapy. While traditional music therapy might focus on the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, the fun and motivating nature of music, or simply creating a space for a client to find their own path to progress; NMT’s are trained in the neuroscience of music production, cognition and perception – enabling them to become specialists in crafting auditory stimuli to effect brain function.

Because of this, NMT and Music Therapy for Autism is always evidence-based, because it relies on research of how the nervous system changes in response to music. Similarly, it is always Generative instead of Additive. This means that a client’s progress is never dependent on their ability to understand information, complete tasks or fulfil requirements – the musical elements are designed to effect change on their own.

Another key aspect of NMT, especially NMT research, is that it is divided into 20 interventions. While traditional music therapy research evaluates the effectiveness of “music” (as a whole), NMT research can look at the effectiveness of a particular intervention. This means that it is replicable (in both research and clinical work) and can be standardised.

All music therapists have to complete masters-level postgraduate qualifications. NMTs complete additional training on top of this with additional professional development opportunities and requirements.

The NMT Academy training is endorsed by the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation (WFNR), the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies (EFNS), and the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology (CNM). In October the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation (WFNR) granted Institutional Membership to the NMT Academy.

Informally, almost everyone has used music in some way to help them become better versions of themselves. Lots of people use music to wake up in the morning, or have music playing in the background when they’re trying to concentrate. Almost everyone will also have experienced how much easier it is to learn information if there’s a melody to go with it (for example, the alphabet song). NMT simply takes these experiences, refines them to find the therapeutic agent at the core, and then applies them in a targeted and personalised way.

Each session is highly valued as it teaches us something new about ourselves, our clients, and the work we do. The importance of the agreeable nature of music and expression is fully utilized by the Spring Forward NMT team. Our music-based therapy can help with:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Coma Recovery
• Autism
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Huntington’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Other dementias and neurologic conditions

Each intervention has been established through scientific and clinical research data. Its effectiveness is based strongly on the biological mechanisms of rhythm. Rhythm has been clinically shown to prime and organise the motor system, facilitating greater fluidity and optimisation of movement.

Additionally, rhythm has been found to prime language and cognition, and to work across effector systems. With individuals with sensory difficulties, music provides a temporal structure for more effective processing and integration of sensory input and sensory systems. NMTs use the elements of music (rhythm, dynamics, tempo, melody, harmony, timbre) within structured exercises to drive changes in the brain; affecting changes at a neuronal level in cognition, speech/language, and motor learning.

NMTs follow these six steps to ensure that the elements of music are being systematically targeted to positively impact a client’s functional skills in such a way that those skills can then be utilised in an ongoing manner throughout the client’s everyday life.

Cognitive

Neurologic Music Therapy can improve cognition throughout the following areas:

• Using music to express thoughts and feelings
• Attention
• Memory
• Initiation
• Executive Function
• Neglect

Sensorimotor Outcomes

Neurologic Music Therapy can improve mobility outcomes in a multitude of settings, including gait training. In comparison to traditional physical therapy, the case studies shown in our resource provide an example of the outcomes that can be achieved using Neurologic Music Therapy.

Speech and Language

As seen in our recent case studies, one of the applications of Neurologic Music Therapy is speech and language recovery. Aphasia, Stroke, and Apraxia are some of the most common injuries and diseases associated with loss of speech and language. Through a series of specialized interventions, such as Musical Speech Stimulation and Melodic Intonation Therapy, NMT helps to reverse the damage done.

A metronome will always be on softly in the background to help the client’s movements be as organised as possible. Sometimes we switch out the hand drums for two pens with ‘clicky ends’ for fine motor control or visual attention.

On the other hand, if we’re working on speech and language, the NMT session involve singing songs or exercises together, while the therapist plays guitar.

This activates alternative neural pathways which can be used for communication.

Alternatively, the client and therapist might play wind instruments to support and strengthen respiration. Again, a metronome ticking softly in the background can really help a client do their best in these exercises.

If a client is having a tough day, or just needs some time to ‘warm up’, we might do some regulatory or orienting activities like walking or proprioceptive deep pressure squeezes. Adding rhythm (like a metronome, or the therapist beating a drum) or adding singing can make these kinds of activities more effective – both in the moment and over a longer period of time.

WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO WORK WITH OUR NMT TEAM, THIS IS OUR CURRENT PROCESS:

1. Once you have completed our comprehensive intake process, we will book you in for an NMT/ Music Therapy assessment.
2. The assessment will take 2 hours to complete and will include a comprehensive report.
3. The assessment covers the following areas:
   • Your child’s cognitive abilities, prime motor skills, and speech.
   • Their emotional intelligence and regulation.
   • The way they connect with others. 

ONCE ASSESSED, WE WILL:

1. Complete your report and send you a copy.
2. Book a parent consult – This enables us to answer your questions, discuss the results, set goals and make plans for your child.
3. Book in sessions.

Your NMT Therapist may recommend other programs or intervention types that include, but are not limited to::

• School visit
• Teacher interview
• Strategies report
• Home program
• Group or Program
• Parent supports and education

While ongoing sessions are developed on an individual basis, the following is a standard approach to beginning music therapy ndis near me:

• Rapport building
• Introduction to intervention and support in implementation of intervention
• Possible engagement in appropriate in-term or holiday programs for further growth
• Holiday intensives (should you want one or is referred by therapist) to focus on building strategies to implement
• School visits (should you want one)
• Parent Consults every 6 to 12 months to re-engage with parents to maintain consistency

DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT Music Therapy Australia? CALL TODAY! After the assessment is completed and the report is written, you can schedule a parent consultation to go over the assessment and discuss the processes that occurred during the assessment period. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop and clarify the objectives that will be addressed during your child’s NMT/ Music Therapy sessions.