Board-Certified Music Therapist
Clinical expertise in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT™) and Cognitive Stimulation
Ingrid Gruett, MMT, MT-BC, WMTR, is the founder and director of Middleton Music Therapy Services. She is a board-certified music therapist and a certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT™) with advanced training in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy (HPMT). Ingrid specializes in online music therapy, hospice music therapy, Neurological Music Therapy and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy to support adults living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) neurological conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery, using evidence-based clinical approaches to support cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.
Ingrid holds a Bachelor of Music from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, a Music Therapy Equivalency from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, and a Master of Music Therapy from Alverno College. Through her clinical work, she combines scientific research with compassionate care to create individualized therapy experiences that help clients stay engaged, connected, and supported through all stages of their health journey.
Services
Online Music Therapy
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Neurologic Music Therapy can be provided virtually through online music therapy sessions via Zoom. Online music therapy sessions deliver professional, clinical care through secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. This format makes evidence-based therapy accessible in from home, eliminating transportation barriers while maintaining the same standards as in-person care. Virtual music therapy is equally effective for cognitive stimulation and neurological rehabilitation.
Online music therapy is valuable for individuals with limited mobility, those in rural areas, or clients who prefer remote therapy. Online therapy allows adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, to access specialized care regardless of location – we serve clients across 49 states. Caregivers can easily participate or use sessions as an opportunity for respite care.
In-Person Therapy
Each session is personalized to address specific needs, goals, and medical history. Through guided music therapy interventions – including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and Neurologic Music Therapy interventions such as Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) – we support memory and communication skills, movement, coordination, and overall quality of life. In-person music therapy sessions benefit clients who respond best to direct, hands-on therapeutic guidance.
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
We work with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease 1:1 and in online groups to support movement, speech, and overall neurological function through structured music-based interventions. Rhythm-based techniques can help improve gait, coordination, timing, and motor planning, while vocal exercises including singing support speech clarity and volume using breath control.
Each session is goal-oriented and designed to address specific motor and communication challenges. Music therapy provides a structured yet engaging approach that promotes independence, supports daily functioning, and helps individuals maintain confidence
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a structured, evidence-based intervention designed to support memory, attention, language, and executive function skills. Using music as a primary modality, these sessions engage multiple brain areas simultaneously, creating neural pathways that help slow cognitive decline. Activities are therapeutically beneficial and personally meaningful, incorporating familiar music.
These sessions benefit individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early to mid stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. Cogntive Stimulation Therapy focuses on maintaining cognitive function, encouraging social interaction, reducing isolation, and supporting mental well-being. As a certified Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) provider through St. Louis University School of Medicine, I deliver standardized protocols clinically proven to improve quality of life for older adults facing memory challenges.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Music therapy in hospice and palliative care focuses on symptom management, emotional support for patients and families, and enhancing quality of life during final illness stages. Gentle, personalized music interventions reduce anxiety, alleviate perception of pain, promote relaxation, and create meaningful moments for patients and families. This specialized approach addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals facing life-limiting conditions.
Sessions are adapted to each person’s unique needs, preferences, and energy levels, and may include receptive music listening, guided relaxation, life review and symptom management. As a certified Hospice Palliative Care Music Therapist (HPMT), I work with all local hospice teams and families to provide compassionate support that honors patient dignity during end-of-life care.
Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery through music therapy is an evidence-based approach that supports neurological rehabilitation by improving movement, speech, and cognition. By engaging multiple areas of the brain, music helps rebuild connections affected by stroke and promotes functional recovery.
Each session is tailored to individual needs and goals, whether focusing on mobility, communication, or cognitive function. Therapy can be provided in-person or online, offering a flexible and supportive way to regain independence and improve quality of life.
Online Group Music Therapy
Online group therapy sessions focus on cognitive skills for persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease using music in a supportive and engaging environment where participants can improve in cognitive skills and voice strengthening from the comfort of their own homes via Zoom. Through shared musical experiences, clients benefit from social interaction while working on memory, attention, and self-expression.
Sessions are tailored to the group’s needs and may focus on cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and voice strengthening. Online group therapy also fosters a sense of community, helping participants feel more connected and supporting overall quality of life.
Professional Certifications
Certification Board for
Music Therapists
The national board certification for music therapists, demonstrating competency in clinical skills, ethics, and professional standards. This credential is maintained through continuing education and adherence to the CBMT Code of Professional Practice.
Academy of Neurologic
Music Therapy Ⓡ
Specialized certification in evidence-based music therapy techniques for neurological conditions including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury. (NMT™) uses standardized protocols based on neuroscience research.
Hospice Palliative
Music Therapy
Advanced certification in providing music therapy for end-of-life care, focusing on pain management, emotional support, spiritual comfort, and quality of life enhancement for patients and their families during the dying process.
Cognitive Stimulation
Therapy
Certified provider of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, an evidence-based group intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia. CST is recommended by UK NICE guidelines and has shown significant improvements in cognitive function.
Advanced Academic Training
A comprehensive educational foundation spanning three distinguished institutions, providing the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for evidence-based clinical practice.
Master of Music Therapy (MMT)
Alverno College
Advanced graduate studies in music therapy with focus on clinical practice, research methodologies, and specialized therapeutic interventions for neurological conditions.
Music Therapy Equivalency
St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
Comprehensive music therapy training program covering clinical foundations, therapeutic techniques, and supervised practicum experience.
Bachelor of Music
Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
Undergraduate degree in music with rigorous training in music theory, performance, and the foundational elements that support therapeutic music application.