Neurologic Music Therapy: A Scientific Paradigm for Clinical Practice

Abstract

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is an evidence-based approach to research and clinical practice that is based in neuroscience models of treatment and rehabilitation (Thaut, 2005a). The ability to perceive music and to engage in musical experiences is often still intact even when the central nervous system is damaged by injury or disease. Thus, NMT techniques produce specific and functional outcomes for patients with neurologically based deficits. To give a comprehensive description of the entire NMT clinical taxonomy in one article is not possible. Rather, the descriptions that follow are intended to clarify the underlying neuro- logic mechanisms and functional outcomes for certain techniques that may be most useful as part of neurorehabilitation. These techniques include Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in gait training, Vocal Intonation Therapy to enhance speech production, and Musical Neglect Training for redirection of spatial awareness.