**This course is cancelled.**
R.F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT): International Neurologic Music Therapy Training Institute
A Certification Course for Music Therapists & other Neurologic Rehabilitation Professionals
This training is open to allied professionals who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of neurologic music therapy (NMT) and music therapists interested in utilizing NMT methodology and techniques.
Course Date:
Wednesday March 25, 2020 – Sunday March 29, 2020, *FRIDAY March 27, 2020 is a GAP DAY (allows a day off or to register for SWAMTA, NO NMT CLASSES THIS DAY)
Time:
Registration at 8:00a.m., Course begins daily (W, TH, Sat, Sun) at 8:30 am
Location:
TWU Houston Center, 6700 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77030
Parking:
Garage Associated with TWU, The garage associated with TWU is owned by The Methodist Hospital, and has entrances on Main Street as well as “Old Main Street” (a small street between the Bank of America and TWU).
See website for info: https://www.twu.edu/houston/dps/
Handouts:
Electronic Handouts will be available the week prior to the course. Please look for more info from the NMT Academy after your registration.
Travel:
Training begins at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning and ends at 1:00 pm on Sunday. Please make sure that your travel arrangements allow you adequate time to get to/from the airport. Completion of the training in its entirety is expected to gain the NMT credential and certificate.
Hotel:
RESERVE YOUR FLIGHTS & ROOMS NOW! Houston will be winding down from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It’s a fun, but busy time in Houston.
Schedule:
R.F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) & Southwestern Region of the American Music Therapy Association (SWAMTA) have coordinated schedules to increase the opportunity to attend both events. Those interested are invited to register separately for SWAMTA (https://swamta.org/Conference ). Those attending ONLY the NMT Certification Course please note the schedule and FRIDAY GAP DAY, there will be no NMT Certification courses that day.
Course Description: Neurologic Music Therapy is defined as the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor function due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system. Neurologic Music Therapy is research-based. Its treatment techniques are based on the scientific knowledge in music perception and production and the effects thereof on nonmusical brain and behavior functions. Populations served by Neurologic Music Therapists include, but are not limited to: stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, and communication (e.g., MS, Muscular Dystrophy, etc.). The 4-course day, 30-hour workshop will provide therapists with advanced clinical training and scientific knowledge in the field of NMT.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will:
Demonstrate a basic definition and introductory knowledge about neurologic music therapy (NMT), including the taxonomy of techniques used in NMT.
Demonstrate an increased knowledge of current research supporting NMT techniques.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Transformational Design Model; a model to assist in treatment selection based on functional goals.
Identify current clinical assessments that can be used by NMT’s for treatment evaluation.
Discuss basic neuroanatomy and pathology related to a variety of neurologic disorders.
Assessment of Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course and a written test, a certificate of completion in advanced Neurologic Music Therapy training will be issued by the Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy. Completion of the NMT training allows the board-certified music therapist to practice and use the credential of NMT for three years. This training is open to other students and professionals outside of the field of music therapy; however, completion of the NMT training does NOT allow one to practice outside their professional licensure-training-certification. There are no required prerequisites to take this training.
Course Curriculum
Scientific Foundations of NMT
Neuropathology/ Disease Review
Sensorimotor Techniques: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, Pattern Sensory Enhancement, Therapeutic Instrumental Playing
Speech Techniques: Melodic Intonation Therapy, Musical Speech Stimulation, Rhythmic Speech Cueing, Vocal Intonation Therapy, Therapeutic Singing, Oral Motor and Respiratory Exercises, Developmental Speech and Language Training through Music, Symbolic Communication Training through Music
Cognitive Techniques: Music Neglect Training, Auditory perception Training, Musical Attention Control Training, Musical Mnemonics Training, associative Mood and Memory Training, Musical Executive Functions Training, Music Psychosocial Training