Institute for Music and Neurologic Function

09/16/2026

Through IMNF's Music & Memory program, personalized playlists are helping older adults reconnect with cherished memories, loved ones, and moments of joy. Nikki's story is a beautiful reminder of the profound impact music can have. ❤️🎶

Elvis Presley has the power to bring a smile to Nikki's face and treasured memories back to life. Read her inspiring story and see how personalized music is making a difference for older adults.

09/09/2026

IMNF is launching three weekly community music therapy programs this fall in the Hudson Valley and Bronx. Led by Dr. Concetta Tomaino, these groups serve people living with dementia and their care partners, individuals with aphasia, and veterans.

All programs are free!! Learn more about registration and program details in our blog post.

Music Therapy for People Living with Dementia & Care Partners | Graymoor, Garrison
Music Has Power for Aphasia | Lehman College, Bronx
Healing Music for Veterans | Lehman College, Bronx (in-person & virtual)

Questions? Contact [email protected]

New weekly IMNF music therapy programs are coming to Lehman College and Graymoor this fall, serving people with aphasia, veterans, and people living with dementia and their care partners.

08/26/2026

Registration is now open! Join us on November 9 at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City for the 2026 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards.

This year's theme, "Music, Vibration, and Frequency: How Sound and Music Affect Mental and Physical Health," brings together leading researchers, clinicians, music therapists, educators, technologists, and innovators for an afternoon of discovery, discussion, and inspiration.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Join IMNF and the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center on November 9 for a free symposium exploring music, vibration, frequency, brain health, and the future of music-based interventions.

07/27/2026

How can personalized music help people living with dementia reconnect with memories, reduce distress, and improve quality of life?

The latest episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast explores the science behind music and the brain, along with practical strategies caregivers and healthcare professionals can use to make music a meaningful part of dementia care.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.caregiverrelief.com/the-power-of-music-for-dementia-simple-ways-caregivers-can-improve-memory-and-connection-with-concetta-tomaino-episode-226/

Can music unlock memories and create meaningful moments of connection for someone living with dementia? In this episode, music therapy pioneer Concetta Tomaino explains how caregivers can use music to reduce stress, encourage engagement, and improve quality of life.

07/22/2026

Here is the updated definition of Music Therapy.

🎶 The World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) is pleased to share the revised definition of Music Therapy, developed through the work of the Working Group for Reviewing and Revising the Definition of Music Therapy during the 2023–2026 Council term.

This important milestone was announced during the General Business Meeting of the WFMT at the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy - Connecting Borders in Bologna, Italy (July 2026), marking a significant step in representing the evolution of our profession worldwide.

🌍 To make this definition increasingly accessible to the global music therapy community, new translations will be available over the coming week.

If you would like to contribute by providing a translation in your language, please send your proposal to: [email protected]

Together, we can support the dissemination and accessibility of music therapy knowledge across cultures and communities. 💙

07/10/2026

We're proud to be members of Rhythm & Relief!

06/01/2026

💜 June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month 💜

As the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia continues to grow, education remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve care, foster connection, and enhance quality of life.

To help make this education more accessible, we're offering **50% off all IMNF on-demand training programs throughout June**. Use promo code **MUSICMATTERS50** at checkout to receive 50% off through June 30.

Learn more: https://imnf.org/abam/

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia while highlighting programs and resources […]

05/12/2026

Dr. Tomaino will be speaking on May 21st at the 2026 Oklahoma Arts and Health Summit, part of the Oklahoma Arts & Health Initiative led by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The summit is currently at capacity, but there is still room to register for online viewing. If you'd like to join, click below to learn more and join the waitlist! 😀 😀 😀

Tweet The 2026 Oklahoma Arts and Health Summit Presented by the Oklahoma Arts Council   About the Summit The Oklahoma Arts Council is pleased to present the 2026 Oklahoma Arts and Health Summit, a special one-day convening that will explore the growing intersection of arts, health, and wellbeing. S...

05/07/2026

This Mother’s Day, support the healing power of music. 💜

Your gift to the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function helps bring music-based care to individuals living with dementia and other neurological conditions, creating moments of comfort, connection, and recognition when they are needed most.

Support IMNF in bringing music-based care to individuals with dementia and neurological conditions. Your gift helps create moments of connection, comfort, and recognit...

04/24/2026

The recording of Music and the Brain: The Healing Power of Music, presented by IMNF Executive Director and Co-founder Concetta M. Tomaino as part of Conversations on Brain Health hosted by the Rush Multiple Sclerosis Center, is now available.

For anyone interested, it is free and publicly available here: https://imnf.org/music-and-the-brain-the-healing-power-of-music/

Join Dr. Concetta Tomaino for a webinar exploring how music supports brain health, cognition, and emotional well-being in neurologic conditions.