Music Therapy Technique | Neurologic Music Therapy
At Awake in Wellness, we infuse Neurologic Music Therapy into our daily practice. Neurologic Music Therapy, NMT, is a research-based system of 20 standardized clinical techniques for sensorimotor training, speech and language training, and cognitive training.
Its treatment techniques are based on the scientific knowledge in music perception and production, and the effects thereof on nonmusical brain and behavior functions. Therapeutic goals and interventions address rehabilitation, development, and maintenance of functional behaviors (Thaut, 2015).
As a result of research, NMT has formulated three notable theories that are worth your time and understanding.
Theory 1: Shared Neural Networks
This theory is based on the research findings that conclude music activates all areas of the brain! There is not simply a “music” section of the brain, but rather the areas of the brain that activate with music are shared with other non-musical areas, such as speech, cognition, emotion, motor, etc.
Theory 2: Optimization Theory
The optimization theory is based on research that suggests music not only shares neural pathways with non-musical functions (speech, motor, etc.) but also optimizes and enhances the brain.
Theory 3: Extended Networks Theory
The third theory has been formulated on research findings suggesting that music not only shares neural pathways with non-musical functions and optimizes brain activity within those functions, but music activates extended neural networks. For example, there are speech centers on both sides of the brain. When there is speech, the majority of speech activation is processed on the left side of the brain. When there is music, the left and right sides of the brain is activated. Therefore, music shared neural networking with speech but also extended to other speech-related areas of the brain.
Now that is fascinating!
