Neurologic Music Therapy®

Evidence-Based Neurorehabilitation Through Music

DrumHeart | Michael Kenny, MT-BC, NMT

Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT) is a research-based clinical treatment system that uses rhythm and music to support recovery of movement, speech, and cognitive function following neurologic injury or disease.

Services available for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and individual clients.

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“Music engages a diverse network of brain regions and circuits, including sensory‑motor processing, cognitive, memory, and emotional components.”
— Zaatar, Alhakim, Enayeh & Tamer, 2023

What Is Neurologic Music Therapy®?

Neurologic Music Therapy® is a standardized, evidence-based system of clinical techniques developed through neuroscience research on music perception, motor control, speech, and cognition. NMT interventions utilize specific elements of rhythm, melody, and auditory structure to engage shared neural networks and support functional rehabilitation.

Unlike recreational or expressive music activities, NMT techniques are goal-directed, measurable, and reproducible, and are designed to be integrated into interdisciplinary rehabilitation plans.

At its core, NMT recognizes rhythm as a powerful organizing force within the nervous system—supporting timing, coordination, sequencing, and regulation across motor and cognitive domains.

What is NMT

Evidence Based

Evidence-Based Clinical Applications

Motor & Gait Rehabilitation

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) and related techniques are used to support gait training, balance, coordination, and upper extremity function. RAS is included in major medical guidelines for neurologic rehabilitation in the United States and Canada.

Speech & Language Rehabilitation

Melodic and rhythmic techniques support speech initiation, articulation, fluency, and expressive language, particularly following stroke or brain injury.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Structured musical interventions are used to address attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and psychosocial engagement.

Populations Served

Neurologic Music Therapy services are appropriate for individuals across the lifespan with neurologic conditions, including:

Stroke (CVA)
Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury
Parkinson’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias
Multiple Sclerosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Other neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions

Services may be delivered in inpatient, outpatient, residential, or community-based settings.

Referral Parnters

For Hospitals & Referral Partners

Clinical Integration

DrumHeart provides Neurologic Music Therapy services designed to complement existing rehabilitation programs and interdisciplinary care teams.

Service formats include:

Individual clinical sessions

Group-based neurorehabilitation programs

Short-term or ongoing facility partnerships

Program development and consultation

Research-Driven Care

All interventions are delivered by a board-certified music therapist with advanced training in Neurologic Music Therapy and are aligned with evidence-based standards of care.

NMT is supported by decades of international research, published clinical manuals, and ongoing professional training through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy®.

About the Clinician

Michael Kenny, MT-BC, NMT

Michael Kenny is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with advanced certification in Neurologic Music Therapy® through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy®. He was initially certified in NMT in 2015 and completed recertification in 2025, reflecting ongoing clinical education and adherence to evolving evidence-based practice.

Michael’s clinical work is grounded in both neuroscience and embodied rhythm practice, integrating precision, presence, and attunement in service of functional recovery and patient-centered care.