Frequently Asked Questions

Music is a shared human experience that most people have had a connection with in some way, shape or form. Music therapy uses the power of music and rhythm to change the brain and improve cognitive, communication, psychosocial, and sensorimotor functioning. Research has shown that music and rhythm are able to prime speech, motor movement, and cognition at a subconscious level. Music can be used to help build neuropathways, or new connections in the brain. This helps improve brain function and allows one to lead a more fulfilling life.

A neurologic music therapist creates an individualized interactive experience, using standardized techniques to achieve non-musical goals in areas such as speech, physical movement, cognition (like executive functioning, focus, or memory) and other functional abilities. They often work in conjunction with other health care professionals including physical therapists, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, and neurologists to address rehabilitative, adaptive, and developmental goals.

Neurologic Music Therapists must first become a “Music Therapist- Board Certified” (MT-BC) by completing an undergraduate music therapy program with an additional 6-month internship, and passing the national board exam. In addition, the music therapist must also complete the 4-day, 30-hour training institute at the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy®, which allows the board-certified music therapist to practice and use the professional designation of Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT).

Please make every effort to make it to your sessions and to be on time so that you get the greatest benefit from the music therapy experience. Consistency is key!

If at least 24-hour notice is provided, absences will be excused, and a make-up session will be scheduled, if possible. If a session is cancelled 3 hours or less before the scheduled appointment or there is a no-show, full payment will be expected, and no make-up will be given. I will take EMERGENCIES into consideration, if I am notified between 3 and 24 hours. Excessive absences may be subject to possible dismissal.

If you are late to your session, the price will remain the same and you will get whatever time you have left in your regular scheduled time.

At the end of each month, you will receive an invoice through our client portal. You can view and/or pay your invoices at any time through the portal.

You can pay your invoice with:

• Credit or debit card through the portal
• Cash or check upon request

Unfortunately, we do not accept or bill medical insurance. You may wish to contact your insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses for music therapy. Please contact us if you’re interested in this option and we will see how we can assist you.

Our practice specializes in online telehealth music therapy for adults. You can use our telehealth services to meet your musical therapy needs from anywhere in the world. Clients meet virtually with a music therapist, one on one, for 50-minute or 30-minute sessions, generally weekly.

If you are located in the Mesa, Arizona area, there is also the possibility of in-home assessment sessions, or consultations (limited series of sessions). Please contact us for more information if you are interested in these options.

Online services provide access to the benefits of music therapy, when in-person services may not be available. If you are unable to visit a music therapy clinic, or there are no clinics in your area, our online music therapy sessions are available anywhere you have Internet access. Also, individuals who travel or spend time in different areas can continue their music therapy sessions, even when they are not home.

For many adults, we find that the same music therapy interventions and activities that are effective in person can also be performed virtually. We work with each individual client to customize the experience so that virtual music therapy meets their needs.

Since music therapy sessions are tailored to the preferences, needs, and goals of the individual, each session will look different. Following are some examples of what might occur in a music therapy session.

Clients working on:

• stride length and pace – may walk to live rhythmic music played at a specific speed.
• breath control – may play exercises on a harmonica
• strengthening the voice and/or lips – may play songs on a kazoo or do vocal exercises.
• verbal expression and articulation – may sing familiar songs.
• coordination and range of motion – may play drums or other percussion instruments.
• improving visual scanning – may play colored bells in a row while following color-coded music.
• memory – may play Name That Tune or use music as a mnemonic cue.
• improved well-being – may listen to a song and participate in a guided discussion about the song and how they can relate to it.

These are only some of the areas that can be addressed and some of the exercises that could be included in a music therapy session. What appear to be fun music activities are actually specified techniques carried out to enhance social, emotional, speech, cognitive, and motor functioning. The interaction between the client and the music therapist is key. Music Therapy is an enjoyable and effective way to work on things that might otherwise seem very difficult or mundane. Family members/caregivers may join in or assist if requested or needed.

The purpose of the assessment session is to see where the client is at in the areas of communication, social, emotional, cognitive, and motor functioning. This typically looks much like a normal music therapy session, but the focus is on assessing the client’s abilities and needs instead of working on specific goals. Non-musical assessments are sometimes administered to get a baseline functioning level. The music therapist will also consult with a family member/caregiver, if needed and applicable, and study the information given in the intake form.

After the assessment session and 1 or 2 regular sessions, the music therapist will provide an assessment report and treatment plan. This will show assessment findings, the functional goals and objectives that are going to be focused on, and what types of music therapy techniques are going to be used. Weekly documentation is done to track progress and a progress report will be sent out periodically to communicate progress and any changes in the treatment plan.