Frequently Asked Questions

 Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®  is a specialized approach to music therapy grounded in scientific research. It leverages insights from neuroscience about how the brain processes music to influence and improve various non-musical brain functions and behaviours. Such behaviours and functions include movement, memory, attention, and communication. 

Neurologic Music Therapy® can help with a wide range of conditions including, but not limited, to:

• Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia
• anxiety, depression, and social isolation
• autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• auditory processing disorders (CAPD)
• pain management for chronic illnesses
• grief and bereavement, and palliative care 
• intellectual or developmental disabilities (Down syndrome, cerebral palsy)
• learning challenges and attention difficulties (ADD, ADHD)
• stroke rehabilitation
• speech and language disorders (aphasia, dysarthria)
• Parkinson's and ALS

You can learn more about NMT® and its functions at https://nmtacademy.co/key-elements-of-nmt/

Nope! No prior experience necessary.

We  accept self-referrals and referrals from caregivers, family, friends, and other healthcare professionals. Referrals help us learn more about you and reasons why you are seeking music therapy. It also helps us to determine treatment options for you that align with your healthcare goals, interests, and abilities. You can send referrals to info@hamiltonmusictherapy.ca .

Please note that in some cases, a physician's referral is required to claim music therapy under insurance coverage. 

As part of standard practice, your first session will include some standardized assessments to better understand you, your abilities, skills, interests, and presenting symptoms so sessions can be specialized for your needs while keeping safety in mind. Your input and collaboration in your treatment plan is highly important to us so there will be opportunities to collaborate with your music therapist throughout  your treatment.

Throughout your treatment, progress reports and re-assessments will be conducted at regular intervals to track changes and improvements.

The exact layout of your sessions will vary depending on your healthcare goals and treatment plan. However, sessions usually include:

• instrument playing & movement
• songwriting
• lyric analysis
• song listening & song sharing
• verbal processing
• improvisation

And, as mentioned, no prior music experience is required!

 Sessions can take place at Hamilton Music Therapy or on-site, if appropriate. Session time can vary from 30-60 minutes. 

Music therapy is not currently covered by OHIP but there may be government funding available that will cover some of the costs. Also, talk to your insurance provider if music therapy would be taken care of under your coverage. We are also happy to provide information on music therapy and the services that HMT provides to help get you the coverage you need.