Music Therapy Makes a Difference 

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapists use both instrumental and vocal music strategies to facilitate changes that are non-musical in nature. After assessment of the strengths and needs of each client, qualified music therapists provide indicated treatment and participate as members of the interdisciplinary team to support a vast continuum of outcomes. 

Research in music therapy supports the effectiveness of interventions in many areas such as overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing motivation to become engaged in treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and creating an outlet for expression of feelings. Music therapists are employed in many different settings including general hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, forensic settings, and private practice.

Professional Membership

The profession of music therapy has over a 50-year legacy in the United States. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) was founded in 1998 as a result of the union of the American Association for Music Therapy (AAMT - founded in 1971) and the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT - founded in 1950). Its mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and to increase access to quality music therapy services. AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, and research in support of the music therapy profession.

Professional members of AMTA hold bachelor’s degrees or higher in music therapy from accredited colleges or universities. The credential ‘MT-BC” (Music Therapist-Board Certified) is issued by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), an independent, non-profit corporation fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The “MT-BC” is granted by the CBMT upon successful completion of 1) an AMTA approved academic and clinical training program and 2) a written objective national examination. Prior to 1998, those individuals who successfully completed the rigorous degree requirements of an NAMT or AAMT approved program and internship were issued the designations of Registered Music Therapist (RMT), Certified Music Therapist (CMT), or Advanced Certified Music Therapist (ACMT). The National Music Therapy Registry maintains a listing of current RMTs, CMTs, and ACMTs.

Quality Assurance

AMTA provides several mechanisms for monitoring the quality of music therapy programs. These include: established criteria for the education and clinical training of music therapists, Standards of Practice, Professional Competencies, Code of Ethics, Peer Review system, a Judicial Review Board and an Ethics Board.

Governing Bodies

AMTA is governed by a 16-member Executive Board, which consists of both elected and appointed officers. Board meetings are held 2-3 times each year. Policies are set by an Assembly of Delegates consisting of representatives from each of the Association’s eight regional chapters. Ten standing committees represent the areas of: Clinical Training, Education, Government Relations, Research, Standards and Special Target Populations, Professional Advocacy, Employment/Public Relations, Continuing Education, International Relations, and Affiliate Relations.

Publications and Technical Resources

· Journal of Music Therapy – a quarterly research-oriented journal

· Music Therapy Perspectives – a semi-annual, practice-oriented journal

· Music Therapy Matters – a quarterly newsletter

· Member Sourcebook – annual directory and statistical profile of AMTA membership

· www.musictherapy.org - access to up-to-date information

· Conference Programs, Monographs, Bibliographies, Videos, Fact Sheets, Brochures

· Advocacy assistance for consumers, families, educators and healthcare professionals

· Practice support to music therapy clinicians, students and professors

Continuing Education

AMTA holds an annual meeting every fall, offering concurrent sessions, pre-conference institutes, and intensive courses for members’ professional development. Each of the 8 AMTA regions also holds a conference in the spring of each year, providing additional opportunities for continuing education. Several other workshops and symposiums are available throughout the year to help meet members’ educational and clinical needs.

Affiliations

NCCATA: The National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations
JCAHO: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
CARF: The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission
CCD: Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities--Education Task Force, Health Task Force
NAPSO: National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations
HPN: Health Professions Network
NRC: National Rehabilitation Caucus
CMS–NMEP: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services National Medicare Education Program Partner

For further information contact:

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
8455 Colesville Rd. Suite 1000
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Telephone: 301/589-3300; Fax: 301/589-5175
e-mail: info@namt.com