FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Music Therapy?
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.
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British Association of Music Therapy (2025)
Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™)
Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) is a specialised, evidence-based approach that uses the neuroscience of music to support speech, cognitive, and motor development or rehabilitation. It works by engaging the brain’s natural response to rhythm and melody to strengthen pathways involved in communication, attention, memory, and movement.
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Who can benefit from NMT™?
NMT™ can support both children and adults with a wide range of neurological or developmental needs. This includes individuals recovering from brain injury, people with developmental or neurological conditions, and those living with neurodegenerative or progressive disorders.
How is Music Therapy different to NMT™?
Music Therapy is a relational, creative therapeutic approach that uses music to support emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing. NMT™ is more functionally oriented and uses structured, evidence-based techniques to support the brain’s ability to relearn or strengthen functions related to speech, movement, and cognition.
Both approaches can be used separately or together, depending on the individual’s needs and goals.
Do I need to be musical or have any musical experience?
No musical experience is needed at all. Music Therapy and NMT™ are accessible to everyone—sessions are designed around the person’s strengths, preferences, and comfort level. The focus is on therapeutic outcomes, not musical skill.
What can I expect from a Music Therapy or an NMT™ session?
How Is Music Therapy Different to NMT™?
Music Therapy is a relational, creative therapeutic approach that uses music to support emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing. Neurologic Music Therapy® (NMT™) is more medically oriented and uses structured, evidence-based techniques to support the brain’s ability to relearn or strengthen functions related to speech, movement, and cognition.
Both approaches can be used separately or together, depending on the individual’s needs and goals.
Each session is tailored to the individual and may include singing, instrument play, improvisation, rhythmic work, songwriting, movement to music, or guided listening. Techniques are selected based on the person’s goals—such as communication, emotional expression, cognitive skills, or physical rehabilitation—ensuring every session is purposeful, engaging, and supportive.
Who can benefit from Music Therapy or NMT™?
Music Therapy and NMT™ can support people of all ages with a wide range of emotional, developmental, and neurological needs. This includes individuals who may experience communication challenges, sensory or motor difficulties, cognitive changes, trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, or the effects of brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative conditions.
How do I make a referral, and do I need a professional to refer me?
You can self-refer at any time—no professional referral is required. Families, individuals, schools, case managers, healthcare professionals, and legal teams are all welcome to get in touch directly. Simply contact us by email or through our online referral form, and we will guide you through the next steps.