Music as a Global Resource: - International Council for Caring ...

SECTION:
Music for Mental and Physical Health
COUNTRY:
United States of America
PROJECT:
USING MUSIC TO ADDRESS COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF
PERSONS WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: THE INSTITUTE FOR MUSIC AND
NEUROLOGIC FUNCTION
DESCRIPTION:
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a nonprofit agency, was founded in 1995 on the
idea that music has unique powers to heal, rehabilitate, and inspire. The Institute is a member of the Beth
Abraham Family of Health Services in New York City. It is dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry on
music and the brain and to developing innovative music-based clinical treatments that benefit people of
all ages with neurologic disorders, such as stroke, trauma, Alzheimer‟s Disease, other forms of dementia,
Parkinson‟s Disease, as well as other diseases and conditions. The music therapy program is provided by
credentialed music therapists and features the following components:
Music to enhance memory function. Music of personal importance can stimulate a patient‟s
past memories, images and personal experiences. Musical patterns are paired with new
information to aid in short-term memory, increased attention span and improved quality of life.
Integrated music therapy and rehabilitation program. Through careful assessment, music
(rhythm, melody and song) is used to help patients improve walking, balance, range of motion
and communication skills.
Therapeutic drumming program. By engaging in rhythm-based activities and active drum
playing, patients can optimize physical, cognitive and psycho/social well-being.
Digital music technology program for rehabilitation. Adaptive digital music technologies are
incorporated into interactive music therapy sessions to increase rehabilitative goals.
The Music has Power Recording Studio. The studio is dedicated to the improvement of
people's physical, emotional and neurological function by engaging the patient in creative
expression, decision making.
Medical music psychotherapy. Process-oriented treatment is given to enhance self-expression
and provide emotional support. Patients develop trust and a relationship with the therapist,
allowing access to deep feelings and emotions through music.
Pain reduction through music program. Music therapy can help reduce the amount of pain a
patient perceives: can promote relaxation, rest, rhythmic breathing and alleviate anxiety and
depression.
Well-Tuned: Music Players for Health Program. Using an MP3 player/iPod, individuals can
benefit from therapeutic music programs throughout their day. The program is integrated into the
patients‟ care plan and includes personally selected music.
Community music therapy programs. Therapeutic music activities are provided in large
community spaces with goals to improve overall wellness, as well as enhance interpersonal
relationships and connection to others.
CURRENT STATUS:
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function is a treatment, training and research center which offers:
Music therapy clinical services on-site, at out-patient clinics and in-home services to clients of all
ages. Clinical service hours average 200 hours per week
Collaborations with neuroscientists to advance knowledge on how music affects brain function
Training for graduate students and professional music therapists
Program development at other institutions
107