This course unfolds in two modules: Neuroscience of Music Therapy & Facilitating Speech and Language in Music Therapy. The self-led video instruction will be available to participants in early April 2014.

Neuroscience of Music Therapy:
Have you ever wanted to better understand articles about music in the brain or explain what is happening when your clients listen to music? This continuing education experience will help the music therapy clinician understand basic neuroscience. We will go over important brain areas, systems, and networks. We will then explore how music activates the brain. This information will be presented so that clinicians can better 1) read research by knowing basic structures and 2) explain how music can affect behavior. We will relate information to different client populations. You will learn through lecture, video supplements, and coloring!  In order to maximize time in person, participants will engage in 2 hours of self-led video instruction before  May 2^nd.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will have the opportunity to:
    • learn basic neurological systems
    • understand how music therapy treatment can promote brain changes to improve nonmusical skills
    • learn how current neuroscience research literature cab inform treatment implementation
    • understand basic science language that may be used in professional conversations

Facilitating Speech and Language in Music Therapy
Many music therapists work with individuals who have speech and language needs. This continuing education experience is designed to help the professional music therapist learn about the neurological and developmental aspects of speech and language as they relate to client populations. We will review current research and apply findings to client populations across the ages. We will practice using Neurologic Music Therapy techniques that can facilitate functional speech and language goals. We will also learn about some assessment tools that can be used to measure progress. In order to maximize time in person, participants will engage in 1 hour of self-led video instruction before May 2^nd.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
· identify major factors in speech and language disabilities
· consider the role of neurological development in the production of speech
· identify the mechanisms that allow music to help in the development of speech and language
· identify relevant music therapy interventions for speech and language training
Instructor Biography:
Blythe LaGasse, Ph.D, MT-BC is Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Colorado State University and the owner of Summit Music Therapy Services, a private practice that provides evidence-based services to children with disabilities. She holds a doctorate of philosophy in music education/therapy with an emphasis in communication neuroscience. She has over 12 years experience providing music therapy services to children and adults. She also has over 6 years experience teaching online and campus music therapy courses at the collegiate level.

For further course information please contact Amy Clements-Cortes a.clements.cortes@utoronto.ca

For information and to register contact Doreen at doreen.polestar@sympatico.ca.

Amy Clements-Cortes, PhD, MTA, MT-BC, FAMI