The MuniMethod

Brian Muni: Occupational Therapist

  • “Bright and imaginative”

    Steven E Kanor, PhD – Pres, CEO, Toys for Special Children, Inc

  • “Creative and passionate...Positive and encouraging...Uncovered ways to motivate my child other therapists could not.”

    Kristin C. – Parent

  • “Unique style. Engaged everyone through use of music, rhythm and verbal praise. I’m amazed at how visibly ‘alive’ and animated children become..."

    Scott E. Feldman, LMSW – Director, UCP Waterside Residence, NYC

  • “Brian has all the attributes I seek…he thinks, he acts and he leads.”

    Joel Levine – Supervisor, D75, NYC Dept. of Education

  • “A dedicated therapist...Helped our son make enormous gains and gave him confidence to do things he never thought he could do.”

    Jacqueline B. – Registered Nurse, Parent

  • “A fine leader, constantly striving for excellence...Offers a fresh perspective and creative approach to projects and challenges with great enthusiasm and tenacity.”

    Nancy Storms – Assistant Principal, D75, NYC Dept of Education.

  • “Very conscientious therapist - a wonderful advocate for children.”

    Anita Guiliani – Co Executive Director, Marathon Infants and Toddlers

  • “Cutting-edge leadership...a Renaissance person with deep and well-cultivated interests…”

    Paul Helgeson – Special Ed teacher, NYC Dept. of  Education

  • “Thoroughly professional...Excellent rapport...Cheerful disposition”

    Margaret Struck – Principal, MS 104, NYC Dept. of Education

  • “Warm style...Trusted colleague”

    Leslie Zackman – Principal, PS59, NYC Dept. of Education

Watch Brian at Work:

Songs to Help Kids Grow 

4 Songs to Make Us Think, Feel, and Move

2 More Videos!

Brian welcomes your questions and comments here:

    LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES:

    Art Beyond Sight (Curricula and Song lyrics): 

     

    “How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain” – Dr. Anita Collins. Animated TED-Ed video on  neuroscientific research of the brain under the influence of music. (4:44) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng
     

    Institute for Music and Neurologic Research – Founded by famed neurologist, Dr. Oliver Sacks, and music therapist, Dr. Connie Tomaino, the Institute promotes research and education on using music to assist the “awakening and healing” of individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions including strokes, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. https://www.imnf.org/

    Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy ­- Groundbreaking music therapy clinic founded by special education teacher, Clive Robbins, and classical composer, Paul Nordoff, with settings in New York, London, and Sydney. https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/nordoff

     

    RESEARCH ON USING MUSIC WITH CHILDREN

    Bazyk, S., Cimino, J., Hayes, K., Goodman, G., & Farrell, P. (2010). The use of therapeutic listening with preschoolers with developmental disabilities: A look at the outcomes. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 3(2), 124-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2010.491013

    Cook, A., Ogden, J., & Winstone, N. (2018) The impact of a school-based musical contact intervention on prosocial attitudes, emotions and behaviours: A pilot trial with autistic and neurotypical children. Autism, 23(4), 933-942. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318787793

    Deboth, K. K., Olszewski, C. A., Roberge, N., & Owen, M. (2020). Interprofessional occupational therapy and music: Therapy piano keyboard intervention for preschoolers with visual impairments: A non-randomized pilot case study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 14(1), 39-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1787293

    Eidevall, K., & Leufstadius, C. (2014). Perceived meaningfulness of music and participation in a music group among young adults with physical disabilities. Journal of Occupational Science, 21(2), 130-142. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2013.764817

    Geist, K., & Geist, E. A. (2012). Bridging music neuroscience evidence to music therapy best practice in the early childhood classroom: Implications for using rhythm to increase attention and learning. Music Therapy Perspectives, 30(2), 141-144. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/30.2.141

    Kirschner, S., & Tomasello, M. (2010). Joint music making promotes prosocial behavior in 4-year-old children. Evolution and Human Behavior, 31(5), 354–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2010.04.004

    MacRae, A. (1992). Should music be used therapeutically in occupational therapy? The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(3), 275-277. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.46.3.275

    Standley, J. M., & Hughes, J. E. (1997). Evaluation of an early intervention music curriculum for enhancing pre-reading/writing skills. Music Therapy Perspectives, 15(2), 79-86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mtp/15.2.79