Music Interventions in Neurology | Introduction to Music-based Interventions in Neurology*
Date: October 18, 2026
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Room: Sandpiper Salons C&D
Track: Traditional Special Interest Group (SIG)
Session Description
Music-based interventions are increasingly used as adjunctive therapies in the management of a broad range of neurological conditions. This session will focus on the clinical application of music and rhythm to support motor, cognitive, and communicative function, as well as overall quality of life.
Faculty will review practical approaches to incorporating music-based therapies into patient care, including indications for referral, expected benefits, and the current evidence base. The session will also highlight key neurobiological mechanisms relevant to clinical outcomes and discuss considerations for integrating these interventions into multidisciplinary care plans.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify clinical indications for music-based interventions in neurological care.
- Explain the mechanisms by which music and rhythm influence neurological function and recovery.
- Apply strategies to engage research and funding stakeholders to advance music-based interventions.
Speakers
- (Chair, Speaker) Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, FAAN, FANA
- (Co-Chair, Panelist) Alex Pantelyat, MD
- (Speaker) Assal Habibi, PhD
- (Speaker) Melissa Menzer, PhD
- (Panelist) Kerry Devlin, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC
- (Panelist) Kyurim Kang, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC
Introduction to Music-based Interventions for Neurological Disorders
Description
Music-based interventions (MBIs) are an emerging area of neurological care that integrates the therapeutic use of music to support motor, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial function across a range of neurological disorders. As evidence supporting these approaches continues to grow, interdisciplinary collaboration among neurologists, music therapists, neuroscientists, and rehabilitation specialists is advancing both clinical practice and research.
This presentation will introduce music therapy and music-based interventions in neurology, providing an interdisciplinary overview of how music can enhance the care of individuals living with neurological diseases. Participants will develop a shared vocabulary for discussing music therapy and MBIs while exploring music therapy as a clinical discipline within the broader landscape of neurological care. Topics will include the complementary roles of music therapists, neurologists, researchers, and other healthcare professionals in delivering music-based interventions across clinical and community settings. Real-world examples from atypical Parkinsonian disorders and neurocritical care will demonstrate how these interventions are being translated into contemporary neurological practice and research.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the scientific foundations, clinical applications, and interdisciplinary nature of music-based interventions, along with practical insights into how these therapies can be integrated into neurological care and research to improve patient outcomes.
Music Interventions for Neurocognitive Disorders
Description
Growing evidence suggests that music-based interventions can enhance cognitive, emotional, and functional outcomes for individuals with neurocognitive disorders. By engaging widespread neural networks involved in memory, attention, emotion, and motor function, music offers a promising nonpharmacologic approach to supporting brain health and improving quality of life.
This presentation will explore the neurobiological and clinical foundations of music-based interventions for neurocognitive disorders. Participants will review the neural mechanisms through which music influences brain function, examine the current evidence supporting music-based therapies across a range of neurocognitive conditions, and discuss their potential role in improving cognition, behavior, mood, and daily functioning. Topics will also include practical considerations for integrating music interventions into multidisciplinary care and areas for future research.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the scientific basis for music-based interventions and practical insights into how these therapies may complement existing treatment strategies to enhance outcomes for individuals living with neurocognitive disorders.
The Brain’s Crescendo: How Music Training Enriches Child Neurocognitive Development
Description
Musical engagement is increasingly recognized as an enriching experience that can influence brain development, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity across the lifespan. Research spanning childhood through older adulthood provides important insights into how active music-making may shape sensory, cognitive, and attentional systems at different stages of life.
This presentation will examine findings from longitudinal studies of children and intervention studies of older adults to explore the effects of musical engagement on brain function and cognition. Participants will review evidence on how childhood music training may influence executive function and brain maturation, as well as emerging research demonstrating that group singing in older adulthood can improve speech-in-noise perception and modulate neural responses involved in auditory processing and attention. The session will also consider the role of sensitive developmental periods, the potential for continued neuroplasticity with aging, and methodological challenges in studying music-based interventions.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of how musical engagement can influence brain development and function across the lifespan and practical insights into the potential role of music in supporting healthy cognitive aging, brain health, and resilience.
Mobilizing Research and Funding for Music Based Interventions: National Endowment for the Arts Research Priorities and Funding Opportunities
Description
As evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of music-based interventions continues to grow, expanding research efforts and securing sustainable funding are essential to advancing the field. Strategic investment in rigorous research can accelerate the development, evaluation, and implementation of music-based therapies for individuals with neurological and neurocognitive disorders.
This presentation will provide an overview of the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) research funding opportunities and their potential to support innovative studies on music-based interventions. Participants will learn about the NEA’s research priorities, available funding mechanisms, and strategies for developing competitive proposals that advance interdisciplinary collaborations among clinicians, researchers, and community partners. Topics will also include the importance of building a strong evidence base to inform clinical practice and promote the integration of music-based interventions into neurological care.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of NEA funding opportunities and practical guidance for pursuing research support that advances the science, implementation, and clinical impact of music-based interventions in neurology.
