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Writer's pictureEmily Halder

The Power of Music: Melodic Intonation Therapy for Aphasia

Updated: Sep 13, 2023

Discover the transformative power of music in treating aphasia with Blue Ridge Speech and Voice.


Blue Ridge Speech and Voice offers dedicated speech therapy for adults. Our speech language pathologists are passionate about helping stroke survivors and individuals with aphasia regain their ability to communicate. Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is an innovative and effective approach that can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by aphasia.



An elderly woman watching an elderly man play guitar.


What is Aphasia?


Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, read, write, and understand language. It is often the result of a stroke or other brain injury. Aphasia can be a challenging condition to live with, but with speech therapy, significant improvements can be made.


What Is Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT)?


Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is a type of speech therapy that harnesses the power of music to help individuals with aphasia regain their ability to communicate. It's based on the fascinating observation that many people with aphasia who struggle with spoken language can still sing lyrics to a song with ease. This is because singing and speech are processed in different areas of the brain.



How Does Melodic Intonation Therapy Work?


MIT involves the speech therapist and the patient singing simple phrases together, using a slow, melodious tune. The speech therapist may guide the patient to tap out the rhythm of the phrases with their right hand, which helps engage the left side of the brain, where the majority of language is processed. Over time, the melody is gradually reduced until the patient can speak the phrase without the tune.


The Benefits of Melodic Intonation Therapy


MIT has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with aphasia. It can help:


  • Improve speech production

  • Increase fluency

  • Enhance ability to communicate effectively

  • Inspire motivation

  • Positively impact mood to make speech therapy more enjoyable and beneficial


At Blue Ridge Speech and Voice, we are passionate about using innovative, evidence-based approaches like Melodic Intonation Therapy to help our clients reach their communication goals. Our professionals understand that every individual's journey with aphasia is unique, and we tailor our therapy plans to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client.


Interested in Learning More?


If you or a loved one are living with aphasia and are interested in exploring Melodic Intonation Therapy, we would love to hear from you. We offer a free phone consultation with an experienced speech language pathologist, where you can learn more about this approach and discuss whether it might be a good fit for you.


At Blue Ridge Speech and Voice, we believe in the power of communication and are committed to helping our clients find their voice again. Reach out to us today and let's start this journey together. Include locations



Remember, with the right support and therapy, there's always hope for improvement. Let the power of music guide your path to better communication.




A woman writing on a notepad in front of a laptop.


Remember, with the right support and therapy, there's always hope for improvement. Let the power of music guide your path to better communication.


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