Frequently Asked Questions

The IMNF, through its IMNF Music Therapy Professionals Practice, provides music therapy programs and individual sessions to organizations and individuals in the New York City-Westchester communities. Sessions are also available via Skype to individuals around the world.

If you would like to schedule a music therapy evaluation for yourself or a loved one, you can contact the IMNF at 914-513-5179 or email imnf@wartburg.org to schedule an appointment.

Music therapy is effective because music has been discovered to affect certain areas of the brain. Different music therapy programs can encourage different aspects of brain development or change. There is evidence-based research supporting the use of music therapy in a variety of treatment situations. 

If you are interested in learning more about the use of music for treating specific illnesses or disorders, please visit the section of our website dedicated to that area of treatment.

The American Music Therapy Association also has some valuable answers to frequently asked general questions about music therapy. If you have general questions about music therapy, please visit their website. 

Results from music therapy will depend on the disorder being treated. In some situations, music therapy can produce results in as little as one session. Like most forms of therapy, a music therapy program is most effective with regular sessions.

This again depends on the type of therapy required. For example, it has been found that patients with Parkinson's disease benefit from music with a specific number of beats per minute. Visit our Music Therapy and Parkinson’s disease page to learn more.

There are a wide variety of instruments used in music therapy, depending on the specific needs and abilities of the patient. Please visit our Inpatient and Outpatient services pages to learn about the tools and musical instruments used for specific conditions.

Professionals from around the world have visited the IMNF to learn more about music therapy or to train through the IMNF's Training Programs. If you are interested in learning more about training with us, visit our Internship page to learn more.

The IMNF receives government, healthcare, and private grants to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of music therapy and music neuroscience. Visit the Research and Education section of our website to learn more. 

Individuals are able to learn more about the IMNF and its programs at our quarterly open houses. Please check our calendar of events for dates and times. For individuals interested in more in-depth observations of clinical music therapy, please contact the IMNF at 914-513-5179 or email imnf@wartburg.org to schedule an appointment. There is usually a daily fee for observations.

The IMNF offers a variety of internship opportunities for students in the music therapy, research or business fields. Visit our Internship page to learn more.

The goal is to bring the therapeutic power of music to benefit everyone. The benefit of using an MP3 player/iPod rather than just listening to the radio is that the individual's favorite music is always available.

Yes. But we're here to help those without such assistance available, or those who could use some expert advice. We have developed a list of questions to help you or your loved one identify the best music selection. Our licensed music therapists and other specialists work with you to personally set up everything so that you or your loved one can enjoy and benefit from the music.

We recommend beginning with 100 songs (with room to grow to 400). However, people can order as many songs as they like.

When we send you the MP3 player/iPod, it will come loaded with the music you requested. We have specially chosen headphones that have wonderful rich sound and a lifetime guarantee. A power cord is included for charging the MP3 player/iPod. A printed list of the songs is also included.

You will receive a minimum of a 15–minute consultation with a professional who will assist you in your selection of songs. Then, an account will be created for your loved one, and each song will be purchased and loaded onto your MP3 player/iPod.

No problem. Send in the MP3 player/iPod and we will purchase more music on your behalf. Service charge is $25 regardless of changes, plus shipping ($10) to return the MP3 player/iPod safely to you.

Yes. We will set up as many as three special music groupings at no charge. For example, one group of songs might be more relaxing and another more upbeat.

There is a $10 charge for USPS First Class, with package tracking. The tracking number will be emailed when the player is shipped.

*The IMNF and Well-Tuned™: Music Players for Health complies with all regulations regarding the purchase and replication of licensed music materials.