The Neurobiological Foundation of Neurologic Music Therapy

Abstract

Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is a specific methodology of music therapy that is based on neuroscience models of music perception and production. Codified NMT techniques are developed out of basic and applied research on the unique effects of music on the brain. The distributed nature of neuronal networks for music processing in the brain, combined with the precise temporal processing ability of the auditory system, makes music a valuable tool for rehabilitation of sensorimotor, communication, and cognitive functions. A large number of clinical studies have demonstrated that music stimuli applied systematically can yield functional outcomes in persons with stroke, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. The purpose of this article is to explain the neurobiological foundation of NMT and explore relevant research in clinical populations.