Harnessing The Power Of Music To Improve Your Brain And Wellbeing
Music therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses musical elements to achieve non-musical goals, like improving movement, speech, and cognition.
On January 8th, 2011, Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords survived a life-threatening gunshot to the head. The resulting brain injury left her with aphasia—a disorder that makes it possible to understand language but extremely difficult to speak.
For many, aphasia can be frustrating, demoralizing, and isolating.
One of the most effective tools in her recovery was Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)™. By using carefully designed music-based exercises, Gabby was able to retrain her brain and regain her ability to communicate—demonstrating the remarkable power of music to help the brain heal.
Gabby’s story is inspiring, but she’s far from the only person benefiting from this innovative form of therapy.
What Is Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)™?
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)™ is a system of 20 specialized techniques, developed from cutting-edge music neuroscience, that target movement, speech, and cognitive skills.
Simply put, these techniques use the structure of music—like rhythm, melody, and timing—to encourage the brain to “rewire” itself, helping people relearn skills lost due to injury or neurological conditions.
How NMT Works
Neurologic Music Therapy isn’t just listening to music—it’s using music as a tool to retrain the brain. Each technique is carefully designed to target specific areas of brain function, helping people recover skills that were lost due to injury, illness, or developmental conditions.
Here are some examples of the techniques used in NMT:
Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) – Helping Movement:
Think of a metronome guiding your steps. For people recovering from stroke or neurological injury, walking in time with a rhythm can help retrain the brain to coordinate movement, improving balance and gait.
Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) – Restoring Speech:
Singing isn’t just fun—it’s therapeutic. MIT uses melody and rhythm to help people with speech disorders, like aphasia, regain their ability to speak. The brain taps into music’s pathways to rebuild language skills that were lost.Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) – Relearning Functional Skills:
Everyday movements, like reaching for a cup or turning a doorknob, can be practiced through music patterns. PSE turns these motions into rhythmic exercises, helping the brain relearn and coordinate complex motor tasks.
In short, NMT translates music into a kind of brain exercise. Each note, rhythm, and melody is carefully chosen to stimulate neural pathways, encouraging the brain to adapt, rewire, and recover.
The Benefits of Neurologic Music Therapy
Neurologic Music Therapy offers a wide range of benefits for people with brain injuries, neurological conditions, or developmental challenges. By combining the science of the brain with the art of music, NMT can help improve:
Physical Skills: Enhanced coordination, balance, and movement for walking, reaching, or everyday activities.
Cognitive Abilities: Improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Communication: Greater speech clarity, language recovery, and confidence in expressing oneself.
Emotional Wellbeing: Reduced anxiety, increased motivation, and a sense of joy and accomplishment.
Social Connection: Better interaction with family, friends, and communities through shared musical experiences.
Who Can Benefit from NMT?
NMT is highly versatile and can help a variety of people, including:
Stroke or brain injury survivors looking to regain movement and speech.
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease who want to improve gait and coordination.
Children with developmental delays working on communication and motor skills.
Seniors experiencing cognitive decline seeking memory and focus support.
Anyone interested in brain rehabilitation or improving cognitive function through music.
Even if you haven’t experienced a major neurological event, NMT can enhance focus, memory, and overall brain health. It’s for anyone who wants to harness the power of music to support their brain and wellbeing.
How to Get Started with Neurologic Music Therapy
If you’re curious about how Neurologic Music Therapy can help you—or a loved one—the first step is simple.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and explore whether NMT is the right fit for your needs.
Sessions are available in the way that works best for you:
In-clinic visits: Receive personalized therapy in a welcoming, professional environment.
In-home visits: Experience therapy in the comfort of your own home, perfect for those with mobility challenges or busy schedules.
During your consultation, we’ll explain the techniques, discuss your goals, and create a plan tailored specifically to you. There’s no obligation—just an opportunity to see how music can help your brain heal, recover, and thrive.
Take the Next Step
Music isn’t just something we listen to—it’s a tool for healing, growth, and connection. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a neurological condition, or looking to strengthen your brain health, NMT can help you reach your goals.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today, and discover how music can help your brain—and your life—move forward.
