Aphasic speech and speech disorders represent massive impairments of communication skills and are often associated with considerable psychological stress. In the treatment of these disorders by music therapy, both functional-linguistic and behavioral and psyche-related aspects come into play.
The functional-linguistic level is influenced on the one hand by rhythmic training, on the other hand by singing. Musical and vocal material serves the speech-related stimulation.
Motivation, emotionality and communication behavior are addressed on the psychological and behavioral level. Music is effective here as a non-verbal means of communication in the sense of compensation and relief and as an analog practice field.
Source: M. Baumann et al., Catalog of indications for music therapy in neurology. Berlin: Dt.Gesell.f.Musikth. 2006.