Music is Medicine, with Elizabeth Nightingale

11 Dec

"Music can do far more than you think." - Elizabeth Nightingale

In this episode, Ben and Patrick explore the transformative power of music therapy, particularly neurologic music therapy (NMT), in rehabilitation. Elizabeth Nightingale, a neurologic music therapist, shares her insights on how music can facilitate cognitive, emotional, and physical healing. The conversation delves into various techniques used in NMT, the neuroscience behind music's impact on the brain, and the importance of integrating music therapy within multidisciplinary teams. Elizabeth emphasises the significance of personalising music therapy to each client's unique experiences and cultural backgrounds, highlighting its role in fostering connections and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Neurologic Music Therapy represents a powerful intersection of neuroscience, rehabilitation, and the universal human connection to music. As Elizabeth Nightingale eloquently demonstrates throughout this conversation, NMT is not simply about playing music for patients—it's a sophisticated, evidence-based approach that strategically engages neural pathways to achieve specific functional outcomes.

What makes NMT particularly valuable in rehabilitation is its dual nature: it provides rigorous, measurable therapeutic benefits while simultaneously offering an engaging, motivating, and emotionally meaningful experience for clients. This combination addresses both the neurological and psychological aspects of recovery, creating a holistic approach that can complement and enhance traditional rehabilitation methods.

So what? For rehabilitation professionals, this episode highlights the importance of considering music therapy not as an optional add-on but as a potential core component of comprehensive rehabilitation plans. For individuals and families navigating recovery from neurological conditions, it offers hope that there are innovative, enjoyable approaches that can unlock progress when traditional methods alone may be insufficient. As Elizabeth concludes, "Music can do far more than you think it might do"—a powerful reminder to explore all available pathways to healing and connection.

Key Insights

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a system of 20 standardized clinical techniques based on neuroscience research about how the brain responds to music.
Music activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, allowing therapists to target specific neural pathways for rehabilitation purposes.
NMT can be used to improve speech and language functions even when traditional language centers are damaged, by utilizing intact parts of the brain through musical activities.
The approach can help patients with physical rehabilitation, using rhythmic entrainment to improve movement coordination, gait, and fine motor skills.
Music therapy engages patients more effectively than some traditional therapies because it is enjoyable and often taps into preserved abilities, creating success experiences that build confidence.
NMT is most effective when integrated with other rehabilitation disciplines like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy in a comprehensive approach.
Cultural and personal musical preferences are important considerations in treatment planning, making therapy more meaningful and effective for each individual.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is an experienced Neurologic Music Therapist, bringing over ten years of specialist clinical practice within acute, inpatient, and community neurorehabilitation. She has worked with both children and adults across a wide range of settings, and has expertise in acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, disorders of consciousness, and aphasia. She is a registered Neurologic Music Therapy® Fellow affiliate of the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® and is trained in the Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Awareness in Disorders of Consciousness (MATADOC). Since 2018, Elizabeth has worked as an Expert Witness, drawing on her wide-ranging clinical experience to identify and cost appropriate NMT provision and specialist equipment for children and adults with neurological diagnoses. Alongside her clinical work, she actively contributes to the profession through several voluntary roles, including positions on the NMT™ Academy Advisory Council, Acquired Brain Injury London, and as Learning Disability Network Coordinator for the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT).

Elizabeth’s work has been recognised nationally, including as the first UK therapist to deliver Neurologic Music Therapy® within a digital Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programme, bringing high-intensity stroke and aphasia rehabilitation directly into people’s homes. Alongside her clinical and medico-legal work, she is passionate about sharing knowledge and actively trains allied health professionals through online courses, supporting integrated, collaborative care. Her approach is rooted in person- and family-centred practice, with a strong focus on empowering caregivers through practical, accessible support. In 2025, Elizabeth completed the Cardiff University Bond Solon Civil Expert Witness Certificate and was shortlisted for a Neuro Rehab Times ‘Inspirational Contribution’ award in recognition of the reach and impact of her work.

A few key links:

Neurologic Music Therapy® website for those interested to learn more about NMT™, the research base, and training options: www.nmtacademy.co

Music and the Brain visual: https://www.merriammusic.com/research/the-neuro-plastic-side-of-melodies-how-music-rewires-the-brains-cognitive-sockets/

Example video of NMT™ sensorimotor techniques in action for a patient who sustained a TBI: https://youtu.be/cq8fv3Hpoao?si=gWmgnB0I8yeNQ_dr

Nightingale NMT™ website: www.nightingalenmt.co.uk

Nightingale NMT™ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightingalenmt/

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-nightingale-%F0%9F%A7%A0%F0%9F%8E%B6-a0696321/

NMT™ at the heart of rehab visual: https://www.instagram.com/p/DReX9bNDXoG/?igsh=MW83a3R1a3JuNmRweA==

Guest

Elizabeth Nightingale, Neurologic Music Therapist, Nightingale NMT

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