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. 

The Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) System of Techniques is a standardized evidence-based clinical treatment system of 20 techniques that is driven by advances in applied auditory music neuroscience and the clinical understanding of music perception, production, and cognition. The NMT™ System targets specific functional behaviors in the areas of cognition, sensorimotor, and speech and language based on a client’s diagnostics and treatment goals. The NMT™ system provides structured music-based exercises that are not only relevant to NMT™ music therapists but exemplify how music can be integrated into intervention practices for all allied healthcare professionals, in the disciplines such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and speech-language pathology

  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 the

Neurologic Music Therapy® training through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy in 2016 (#4277),

received her title of Fellow in 2019 (NMT-F™), renewed NMT-F™ in 2024,

  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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