#18: Dr. Connie Tomaino, Music Therapy and Neurologic Function
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In this episode, Terry sits down with Dr. Concetta “Connie” Tomaino — co-founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) — for a mind-opening conversation on the true value of music far beyond streaming numbers.
They break down how music actually engages the brain, why rhythm can restore movement in Parkinson’s, how songs can “wake up” memory in dementia, and how music therapy helps veterans and trauma survivors access what words can’t. Then Terry connects it back to the core mission of Sold 4 a Song: the painful irony that the people who create the world’s most powerful healing tool are often the ones least valued inside the ecosystem built around it — and why access to music therapy should be reimbursed and available to everyone.
To go deeper, join Terry at TerranceSawchuk.com
👉 Watch for announcements for my Free Webinar coming in January 2026.
Keywords
music therapy, neuroscience, mental health, creativity, neurodiversity, music industry, healing, brain function, emotional connection, artist empowerment
Summary
In this episode of 'Sold for a Song', host Taren Saczek engages with Dr. Concetta Tomeino, a pioneer in music therapy, discussing the profound impact of music on mental health and neurological function. They explore the evolution of music therapy, its applications in treating various conditions, and the importance of recognizing the value of music creators in society. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind music, the therapeutic techniques used in music therapy, and the challenges faced by artists in the industry. Dr. Tomeino emphasizes the need for greater accessibility to music therapy and the economic value of music in enhancing well-being.
Takeaways
Music therapy needs to be accessible to everyone.
The field of music therapy originated in the 1950s.
Music engages almost every part of the brain.
Music can help individuals with PTSD and cognitive impairments.
Therapeutic music experiences can enhance recovery and function.
Neurodiversity plays a significant role in creativity.
Music can evoke strong emotional responses and memories.
The economic value of music creators is often undervalued.
Music therapy can improve mental health and well-being.
Artists have a unique role in nurturing creativity in society.
Titles
Unlocking the Healing Power of Music Therapy
The Neuroscience Behind Music and Healing
Sound bites
"We need to get the word out."
"Music therapy is a profession."
"Music has power in healing."
Chapters
00:00 The Value of Music Therapy
06:07 Introduction to Dr. Concetta Tomeino
11:46 The Evolution of Music Therapy
20:04 Understanding Music's Impact on the Brain
30:11 Music Therapy Techniques and Applications
40:07 Neurodiversity and Creativity
50:03 The Economic Value of Music and Artists
They break down how music actually engages the brain, why rhythm can restore movement in Parkinson’s, how songs can “wake up” memory in dementia, and how music therapy helps veterans and trauma survivors access what words can’t. Then Terry connects it back to the core mission of Sold 4 a Song: the painful irony that the people who create the world’s most powerful healing tool are often the ones least valued inside the ecosystem built around it — and why access to music therapy should be reimbursed and available to everyone.
To go deeper, join Terry at TerranceSawchuk.com
👉 Watch for announcements for my Free Webinar coming in January 2026.
Keywords
music therapy, neuroscience, mental health, creativity, neurodiversity, music industry, healing, brain function, emotional connection, artist empowerment
Summary
In this episode of 'Sold for a Song', host Taren Saczek engages with Dr. Concetta Tomeino, a pioneer in music therapy, discussing the profound impact of music on mental health and neurological function. They explore the evolution of music therapy, its applications in treating various conditions, and the importance of recognizing the value of music creators in society. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind music, the therapeutic techniques used in music therapy, and the challenges faced by artists in the industry. Dr. Tomeino emphasizes the need for greater accessibility to music therapy and the economic value of music in enhancing well-being.
Takeaways
Music therapy needs to be accessible to everyone.
The field of music therapy originated in the 1950s.
Music engages almost every part of the brain.
Music can help individuals with PTSD and cognitive impairments.
Therapeutic music experiences can enhance recovery and function.
Neurodiversity plays a significant role in creativity.
Music can evoke strong emotional responses and memories.
The economic value of music creators is often undervalued.
Music therapy can improve mental health and well-being.
Artists have a unique role in nurturing creativity in society.
Titles
Unlocking the Healing Power of Music Therapy
The Neuroscience Behind Music and Healing
Sound bites
"We need to get the word out."
"Music therapy is a profession."
"Music has power in healing."
Chapters
00:00 The Value of Music Therapy
06:07 Introduction to Dr. Concetta Tomeino
11:46 The Evolution of Music Therapy
20:04 Understanding Music's Impact on the Brain
30:11 Music Therapy Techniques and Applications
40:07 Neurodiversity and Creativity
50:03 The Economic Value of Music and Artists
