Helena Music Therapy

04/10/2026

Learning music activates multiple parts of the brain at once. Memory, attention, coordination, and pattern recognition all work together during practice.

Over time, this strengthens neural connections and supports cognitive growth. Studies have shown that even one year of music lessons can lead to noticeable improvements in IQ and learning ability.

Unlike passive learning, music requires active engagement. The brain is constantly processing, adjusting, and building new pathways.

Extra homework builds knowledge. Music helps build the brain that uses it.

04/02/2026

Now accepting applications to join the free Music and Memory Care Collaborative!

03/27/2026

Children's rhythm skills are closely tied to how they learn to read. Research shows that preschoolers who can clap or tap in time with a beat often score higher on early language and pre-reading measures.

Brain recordings reveal why: kids with stronger rhythm skills have sharper neural responses to speech sounds, which helps them break words into syllables and sounds.

In 2024, a team of researchers went further, giving elementary school children a rhythm-training game for six weeks. The kids who played it showed measurable improvements in reading fluency compared to controls.

Scientists believe this happens because reading itself is rhythmic: the brain must keep time with the flow of speech. Rhythm games and musical play may give children's brains a boost that helps reading come more naturally. -

Give the gift of music to a child who can’t afford it.

https://allkidsneedmusic.academy All Kids Need Music

03/24/2026

03/22/2026

FREE In-Home Care for your loved ones!

Music and Memory Care Collaborative has received grant funding from Montana Alzheimer’s and Dementia program to provide a variety of FREE in-home services to those experiencing cognitive decline and their caregivers, in the Helene and surrounding area.

Services are provide by highly qualified and experienced dementia specialists and include: visits with a palliative nurse practitioner, music therapy, assistance with ADL’s, companionship, private home care services, respite care, and assistance in accessing community resources.

We will also be partnering with the Holter Museum of Art and Gentle Healing Center to offer respite retreats, gentle movement classes, sound relaxation and art classes for participants!

The entire program is funded by the grant, so there is no charge for participants!

If you have a loved one or know someone experiencing cognitive decline and living at home with a caregiver, please connect them with Emily Sweeney or Helena Music Therapy to register for the program.

02/28/2026

Music therapy is found to decrease depression and increase resilience!

A music psychotherapy-based assessment protocol was implemented to guide the treatment of vulnerable participants experiencing depression. Through the AMEND ...

02/23/2026

Is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

02/04/2026

We all love entertainers-especially when music is involved. Music therapy is more than music entertainment. Read on to learn about the differences.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

01/31/2026

As you might imagine, music therapy is more than listening to calming music to relax (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) Read more about it here and reach out to us with any questions.

Music therapy is much more than listening to your favorite song on repeat. Learn how this clinical, evidence-based treatment can serve your needs.

01/29/2026

Music therapy has proven benefits for people recovering from an accident, people living with dementia and other life-limiting illnesses, people experiencing mental health challenges, and many more. Anyone, no matter their experience or their level of ability, can benefit from music therapy.

01/28/2026

Meet Emily Sweeney, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, serving the Helena, MT area. Emily works with clients from all walks of life, including those in dementia and hospice care, children and adults with autism, mental health and substance use disorder, as well as neurotypical clients looking for emotional support and stress reduction through music.