What is the difference between Music Therapy and Neurologic Music Therapy®?

Music therapy is the therapeutic application of music to achieve non-music goals by a credentialed

music therapist, addressing social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs. 

Neurologic Music Therapy ®(NMT)® is a model of music therapy comprised of twenty specific, research-based techniques concentrating in the domains of sensori-motor, speech and language, and cognition and requires additional training through the  Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.  The NMT Academy is an affiliate member of the World Federation of Neurology. With advancements in brain imagery, the science of neurologic music therapy is increasingly demonstrating that music can promote neuroplasticity - new brain pathways -- with impressive results.   The video above is a compilation of a variety of NMT® techniques, within each of the three afore-mentioned domains.   (Video courtesy of MedRhythms)

Both traditional music therapy and neurologic music therapy can be effective individually and in groups, and is available to all age groups, from infants to the elderly.

We offer rehabilitative and palliative opportunities for persons with neurologic injury or illness, including, but not limited to:  traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke resulting in motor, cognitive, and speech deficits (aphasia), Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and other dementia.  Feel free to inquire about any neurologic injury or illness not specified here.

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Brechen Santeramo received her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 1992, followed by a Master of Music Therapy in 1997 at Colorado State University.  She completed her Neurologic Music Therapy training through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy in 2016, received her title of Fellow in 2019, and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (#12681).

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Ascension Music Therapy, LLC is a Pinnacol Assurance Preferred Provider.

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