Institute for Music and Neurologic Function

10/08/2026

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D. will receive the 2026 Music Has Power® Award at this year’s Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards!

A leading neuroscientist, innovator, and Founder & Executive Director of Neuroscape at UCSF, Dr. Gazzaley’s work at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and human health reflects the spirit of this award.

IMNF will honor neuroscientist Dr. Adam Gazzaley with the 2026 Music Has Power® Award at the November 9 symposium in New York City, recognizing his contributions to neuroscience, technology, and brain health.

10/05/2026

Calling all students: Share your research at Music Has Power® 2026!

Are you studying neuroscience, music therapy, psychology, engineering, healthcare, or music? We want to hear about your work.

The Music Has Power® Symposium is November 9 at the CUNY Graduate Center in NYC, and we're giving students a platform to present their research (12-1 PM). It's free, it's open to the public, and it's a chance to connect with researchers, clinicians, and other students doing work at the intersection of music and health.

If you're interested in presenting your research or project, register on our website. Spots are limited.

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) advances the science and practice of music as a powerful tool for brain health, neurological function, and human connection. For more than three decades, IMNF has brought together neuroscience, medicine, music therapy, research, education, and c...

09/28/2026

We’re excited to share this year’s Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards speaker lineup!

On November 9, we’ll bring together researchers, clinicians, music therapists, educators, and innovators to explore music, vibration, frequency, and their impact on mental and physical health.

It’s shaping up to be an incredible day. We hope you’ll join us!

Meet the researchers, clinicians, educators, music therapists, technologists, and innovators joining us for the 2026 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards on November 9 at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. Admission is free and open to the public.

09/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1548797203949150&set=a.616686413826905&type=3

🧠 May human brains be wired for music before birth?

A new critical review, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, explores this intriguing question.

📚 The study is by Gábor Háden (HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest) and Henkjan Honing (University of Amsterdam).

Curious to find out more?

👉 Read the paper here: https://ow.ly/hbtq50ZP36L

09/23/2026

Familiar music does more than evoke emotion. It can help activate neural pathways associated with autobiographical memory, making it easier to access memories and reconnect with meaningful life experiences.

At IMNF, we use evidence-based music therapy to support cognition, communication, and quality of life.

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. 💙