The Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to disseminate, advance and protect the practice of NMT worldwide. To this end, the Academy disseminates information about the evidence-based practice of NMT, and provides opportunities for continuing education in NMT that ensure best practice in the field.  Individuals who successfully complete institutes and fellowships provided through the Academy become affiliates of the Academy, and are placed on a registry that is available to the public for purposes of identifying professionals who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice in NMT. The registry is international in scope, not only including clinicians and academicians in music therapy, but also other practitioners who have successfully completed NMT institutes/fellowships and are committed to promulgating best practice in NMT. The ultimate goal of the Academy is to maintain the integrity of best practice in NMT, and thus protect consumers of NMT and the public in general.

ACADEMY MISSION: to disseminate, advance, and protect the practice of NMT worldwide.

ACADEMY VISION: to promulgate NMT as the gold standard in music therapy practice and to increase availability of this gold standard in the healthcare arena.

ACADEMY PURPOSE:   While formalized training in Neurologic Music Therapy first began in 1999 in an effort to advance the professional education and understanding of the scientific and evidence-based practice of Neurologic Music Therapy, the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy was established in 2014 as a 501 (c)3 organization whose mission is to disseminate, advance and protect the practice of NMT worldwide by facilitating endeavors in the areas of Continuing Education, Student Training, Research, Information Sharing, and Reimbursement.  The Academy maintains an Advisory Council, which consist of practicing NMT clinicians who advise on all matters related to the professional and scientific development of NMT.

The primary purpose of the Academy is to disseminate information about the evidence-based practice of NMT, and provides opportunities for continuing education in NMT that ensure best practice in the field. Individuals who successfully complete institutes and fellowships provided through the Academy become affiliates of the Academy, and are placed on a registry that is available to the public for purposes of identifying professionals who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice in NMT. The registry is international in scope, not only including clinicians and academicians in music therapy, but also other practitioners who have successfully completed NMT Institute/Fellowships and are committed to promulgating best practice in NMT. The ultimate goal of the Academy is to maintain the integrity of best practice in NMT, and thus protect consumers of NMT and the public in general.

The International Training Programs of the Academy are endorsed by the World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation (WFNR), by the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies (EFNS) and the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology (CNM). Training is also approved by the U.S. Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) as advanced provider for Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) credits.

THE ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPY MISSION AND STANDARDS OF AFFILIATION AND PRACTICE