Rapper Kris Warren Visits Colorado For Neurologic Music Therapy Research

Chicago, IL – WEBWIRE – Thursday, May 22, 2014

"Music activates areas throughout our brains that are also activated in non-musical tasks including speech and motor movements."

Following the completion of filming scenes for the “Music Is My Therapy” documentary in Florida, Kris Warren embarked on a journey earlier this month to Colorado for further research on Music Therapy.

“After acquiring live footage of Music Therapy sessions and hearing so many positive stories about how Music Therapy benefits people, I felt the need to seek more scientific evidence based research.” Shared Kris Warren.

During the trip, Warren visited Colorado State University to speak with Dr. Blythe Lagasse and the “Godfather of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)” Dr. Michael Thaut.

Speaking on Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) Thaut explained “Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a breakthrough in the history of music therapy. It consists of 20 standardized therapy techniques for training or retraining movement, speech and language, and cognitive functions, such as attention and memory, for persons who are affected by disorders of the human nervous system, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, dementia, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, autism and other diseases. All techniques were developed based on many years of clinical and basic neuroscience research studying the effect of how music can help the injured brain. NMT training is endorsed by the World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation.”

Lagasse, a Music Therapist specializing in working with children with autism spectrum disorders said “Music activates areas throughout our brains that are also activated in non-musical tasks including speech and motor movements. Furthermore, music has been shown to improve responses and engagement in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

As a part of my work at Colorado State University, I create individualized music therapy treatment plans for people who have autism spectrum disorders. This involves active music experiences that facilitate gains in cognitive, communication, social, and motor skills.” she concluded.

While in Colorado Warren also met Music Therapist Pamela Jackson, Faith Halverson-Ramos, and members of the Colorado Music Therapy State Task Force. Pamela specializes in clients with brain injuries, and speech restoration for clients with aphasia. Faith works in hospice using music to enhance the quality of life for those who are at the end-of-life and to provide support for their loved ones in their grief.

Speaking on Music Therapy licensure legislation, Amy Wilson, Chair of the Colorado Music Therapy State Task Force said “Colorado has a very active state task force that has been meeting with legislators and pursuing state recognition since 2008. We are mobilizing a grassroots effort to educate and advocate, thus increasing awareness of music therapy and the MT-BC credential.”

Warren will resume filming next month in Michigan.

For more information on Kris Warren and his latest projects please contact press@galaxymediagroup.info