Our Story & Mission
How It Began
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) developed out of the many years of clinical work and research of renowned author and neurologist Oliver Sacks, MD and Dr. Concetta Tomaino, distinguished music therapist, who demonstrated that people with neurological problems could learn to move better, remember more and even regain speech when music was used in specific ways.
In 1995, under the leadership of Edwin H. Stern, III, Arnold H. Goldstein and NY GRAMMY chapter chair, Ben Rizzi, the IMNF was founded to pursue this passion and this mission – to bring together the two worlds of basic neuroscience and clinical music therapy. The Institute is world-renowned in the medical and scientific communities for its pioneering advances in understanding, teaching, and clinical applications of music therapy.
Our mission is to advance the science of music and the brain and translate that knowledge into practical solutions that improve health, neurological function, and quality of life. Rooted in the direct therapeutic use of music with individuals, we accomplish this through research, education, clinical practice, music therapy, and scalable programs that bring the power of music to individuals, caregivers, healthcare organizations, and communities.
Looking Ahead
IMNF Vision 2025 & Beyond
Today, IMNF offers leading-edge education and training for music therapists, healthcare professionals, musicians, arts practitioners, and family caregivers.
As a leader in the field, IMNF also serves as a hands-on consultant to healthcare institutions around music therapy and arts in health programming. We collaborate with music technology companies to bring personalized, music-based interventions to people with dementia, neurological conditions, and anyone who can benefit—meaning everyone.
