Who can benefit?

Neurologic Music Therapy® may benefit children, young people and adults whose neurological, developmental or mental health needs affect everyday functioning.

NMT™ techniques may be considered when a person experiences difficulties with:

• attention, concentration or impulse control
• memory, sequencing or executive functioning
• speech, language or communication
• movement, coordination, balance or motor planning
• sensory processing and regulation
• social communication and participation
• emotional regulation and psychosocial functioning
• learning, independence and completing everyday routines

People who may benefit include those with autism, ADHD, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, acquired or traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions. NMT™ may also be relevant for some people experiencing mental health or psychosocial difficulties.

A diagnosis alone does not determine whether NMT™ is appropriate. Intervention is based on individual assessment, identified functional goals and whether a specific music-based technique offers a clinically meaningful way to address those goals.

How can it help?

Neurologic Music Therapy® uses structured musical experiences to support specific functional goals. Depending on the individual’s assessed needs, NMT™ techniques may help to:

• improve attention, concentration and task engagement
• support memory, sequencing and organisation
• develop speech, language and communication skills
• improve timing, coordination, balance and movement
• support motor planning and purposeful use of the body
• strengthen executive skills such as initiation, inhibition and flexible thinking
• support emotional regulation and participation
• increase independence in everyday routines and activities

Music provides clear rhythmic, melodic and sensory cues that can help organise attention, movement and communication. These cues are used purposefully within treatment and are gradually adapted or reduced so that progress can transfer into everyday life.

NMT™ does not rely on musical ability. Activities are selected according to the person’s goals, strengths and clinical presentation.

When should I make a referral?

A referral can be considered whenever difficulties with movement, communication, cognition, regulation or everyday functioning are affecting a person’s participation, learning or independence.

Early referral may be particularly helpful when:

• a developmental difficulty or functional need has recently been identified
• skills have been lost or affected following injury or illness
• progress has slowed despite existing interventions
• music, rhythm or movement appears to support engagement and learning
• difficulties are beginning to affect education, relationships or daily routines
• a progressive neurological condition is affecting the maintenance of existing skills

A formal diagnosis is not always required before making an enquiry. Referrals should describe the person’s current functional needs, the impact on everyday life and the outcomes they would like to work towards.

Following referral, an assessment will determine whether Neurologic Music Therapy® is appropriate and whether a specific NMT™ technique could contribute meaningfully to the person’s wider support or rehabilitation plan.

The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy®

In the UK, the professional designation Neurologic Music Therapy® Music Therapist (NMT™) may be used by an HCPC-registered Music Therapist who has successfully completed the NMT™ Institute Training and entered into the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® Professional Affiliation Licence Agreement.

NMT™ is a professional designation rather than a separate certification or academic qualification. Professional Affiliates must practise within their professional scope, uphold the Academy’s standards and maintain their affiliation through continuing professional development.

The designation is renewed every five years. This currently requires the completion and recording of 50 approved professional-development credits, including participation in the Academy’s live Support Chapters or Focused Forums.



To learn more about Neurologic Music Therapy®, explore the research or view the Academy’s professional register, visit the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® website by selecting the icon below.