Transcript Neurologic Music Therapy: An Overview

Holistic Music Therapy
and Rehabilitation
Jennifer Townsend NMT, MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapist
Music Therapist-Board Certified
The National Flute Association
August 15, 2009
From Social Science to Neuroscience
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MT as a social science model is based on
interpretations of the cultural role of music to
provide facilitation for concepts of well being.
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MT as a neuroscience model is based on how
music perception and production engage the
brain in ways that translate to non-musical
learning and training.
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Combined approach lends itself to a holistic
model of practice. Using the music as an
expression of self and allowing it’s power to
energise, balance and harmonise.
How the Model Works
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Similarities are found between musical
and nonmusical behaviors
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Research explores the effects of related
music behaviors on non-music behaviors
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Results serve as basis for clinical practice
Foundational Ideas
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Music has been shown to alter mood,
enhance memory, and promote creativity.
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Implications: music can play the role of
motivator, reminding one of hope and
possibility.
Research indicates that music, a timebased, structured form of input
reorganizes synaptic connections
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Implications: music can be utilized to
intentionally alter cognitive, affective, and
motoric responses.
Music-Brain Connections
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Rhythmic Entrainment
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Priming of auditory pathways
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physics phenomenon of resonance in which two
oscillating bodies lock into phase so that they vibrate in
harmony, synchronizing rhythms
refers to an increased sensitivity to certain stimuli due
to prior experience. Because priming it believed to occur
outside of conscious awareness, it is different from
memory that relies on the direct retrieval of information.
Cueing of movement period

a sensory signal used to identify experiences, facilitate
memory, or organize responses.
In Practice…
Non-musical behaviors assessed
 Music assessment is conducted
 Non-musical interventions are shared
through collaboration with team
 Goals and objectives are established
 Non-musical goals and interventions
translated to musical interventions using
research-based techniques
 Music faded and learning transferred to
therapeutic outcomes.
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Patterned Sensory Enhancement
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Uses the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic,
and dynamic-acoustical patterns of music
to provide temporal, spatial, and force
cues to structure and regulate functional
movements. The auditory-musical
patterns or kinematic compositions are
derived from translating all components of
the kinematic patterns of the movement in
space, time and force into sound patterns.
Therapeutic Applications
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Spatial Cueing
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Pitch
Sound Duration (articulation)
Harmony
Temporal Cueing
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Tempo
Meter
Rhythmic Patterning
Form
Therapeutic Applications continued
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Force Cueing
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Loudness
Timbre
Tempo
Vocal Intonation Therapy
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Techniques in VIT address issues in the
rehab of voice disorders. Musical
vocalization through singing, breathing,
and other vocal control exercises, is
directed at training all aspects of voice
control.
Therapeutic Applications
Relaxation exercises of the head, neck,
and upper trunk
 Breathing exercises
 Phonation exercises
 Intonation and Singing exercises
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Accompanying vocal exercises on an
instrument provides time cues, support,
regulation of tension and relaxation, and
motivation.
Oral Motor and Respiratory
Exercises
OMREX refers to the use of musical
materials and exercises to enhance
articulatory control and respiratory
strength and function of the speech
apparatus.
 Research shows that rhythmic
entrainment of respiratory function
through music is possible.
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Therapeutic Applications
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Playing wind instruments such as flutes,
recorder, or kazoos can strengthen and
build awareness of the speech muscles at
the same time it strengthens respiratory
control and cardiopulmonary functions.
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Other exercises may include sound
production of different speech phonemes,
vowels, and consonants.
Music Therapy Resources
www.cbmt.org
 www.musictherapy.org
 www.musictherapyworld.de
 Center for Biomedical Research in Music
www.colostate.edu/dept/cbrm/
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Jennifer Townsend NMT, MT-BC
[email protected]
646-459-3440