Neurological Music Therapy and the Parkinson's Foundation Working Together
Linda Jedrzejek MT-BC, owner of NeuroHealth Music Therapy, has been a long time supporter and friend of Bear Paw Creek. In fact, one of the first stretchy band song activities we shared was from her suggestion! Through the years we have stayed connected and continue supporting one another by sharing each other's information, products, and resources. That's why I am very excited to tell you more about Linda's newest adventure in Neurological Music Therapy!
Linda has recently moved from her private practice, RhythmWorks Music Therapy to a new venture, NeuroHealth Music Therapy. Her program also brought about the newest addition to our personal student kits, “Motivate Through Music Program for Parkinson’s” Instrument Kit.
It inspired me to learn a bit more about what she is doing and I hope you enjoy learning about it, too.
About NeuroHealth Music Therapy
At NeuroHealth Music Therapy, they are passionate about music therapy and providing the highest quality services to those in the Chicagoland area. They believe in the power of music to effect change and empower people of all ages and abilities. By combining a neurologic and client-centered approach, they provide supportive and client-centered methods in which to work towards goals. NeuroHealth Music Therapy is dedicated to serving those in need and making music therapy available to everyone!
Learn more about Neurological Music Therapy and the Parkinson's Foundation generous support of it. Click To Tweet
What is Music Therapy?: "Music therapy is an allied health profession that uses music to improve or maintain functional skills."
What is Neurological Music Therapy?: "NMT is a research-based system of twenty standardized clinical techniques based on how music is processed in the brain and observable behavioral outcomes."
At NeuroHealth Music Therapy they provide individual, group, and Telehealth sessions. The treatment areas include:
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke Rehab
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Developmental Disabilities
- Dementia
For more information about how music therapy impacts those with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, click the link below and read through the article. It goes into greater detail on the five reasons listed below and why Neurological Music Therapy works!
- Music has a profound impact on the brain.
- Music increases dopamine production in our brains.
- Music provides an outlet.
- Music provides structure.
- Music encourages communication.
Click here to learn more: 5 Reasons Music Therapy Works for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Motivate Through Music Program for Parkinson's
Over the last few years, we have worked with Linda to create student instrument kits that she has needed for various programs. This time, the kit is specific to the "Motivate Through Music Program for Parkinson's", which is sponsored by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community.
The "Motivate Through Music Program!" is a free, research based remote/hybrid program designed to help people with Parkinson's Disease improve their mood, regain interests, and connect with others. Using Neurological Music Therapy techniques to improve or maintain skills that may have been affected by PD, the program includes rhythmic warm-ups, therapeutic instrument playing, vocal exercises, singing and connecting with others who have Parkinson’s and caregivers.
The complete instrument kit designed to be used with this program includes the following:
- Drumsticks
- Frame Drum
- Chiquitas
- Kazoo
- Harmonica
- Tambourine
- Storage Bag
Be sure to check out the resource page on the NeuroHealth Music Therapy site that includes some music playlists which will be used in the program and with the instrument kit. I am so thankful that Bear Paw Creek gets to be a small part of this hugely impactful program. A big thank you to Linda for including us! Help us spread the word about this program by sharing this blog post and telling your friends!
If you know someone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and would benefit from what NeuroHealth Music Therapy is offering, please contact Linda by email, linda@neurohealthmusic.com or by phone, 630-277-2435.
