Music Therapy Makes a Difference

Music Therapy Makes a Difference

The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.

 
What is the Profession of Music Therapy?

What is the Profession of Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

 
How Does Music Therapy Work?

How Does Music Therapy Work?

Music therapy interventions can be designed to address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: Promote Wellness, Manage Stress, Alleviate Pain, Express Feelings, Enhance Memory, Improve Communication, Promote Physical Rehabilitation and more

 
Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

Music therapists work in medical hospitals, treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, drug & alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities & more.

 
What Do Music Therapists Do?

What Do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, & cognitive skills through musical responses; design music interventions for individuals and groups based on client needs; & follow up progress.

 
Who is Qualified to Practice Music Therapy?

Who is Qualified to Practice Music Therapy?

Those who complete an approved music therapy degree & internship are eligible to sit for a national exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Successfully completing the exam earns the credential MT-BC, Music Therapist, Board Certified

 
Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy?

Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy?

Children, adolescents, adults, & the elderly with mental health needs, developmental & learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, acute and chronic pain, & more.

 
Does Research Support Music Therapy?

Does Research Support Music Therapy?

AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the "Journal of Music Therapy," "Music Therapy Perspectives" & other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support its effectiveness.

 
 
 
 

American Music Therapy Association Mission

The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.

 

AMTA's 2019 Annual Conference

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Join us November 21-24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a week of learning, collaborating and networking with your fellow music therapists. Make your plans now to attend!

Learn More and Register Online Today

 

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

  • Promote Wellness
  • Manage Stress
  • Alleviate Pain
  • Express Feelings
  • Enhance Memory
  • Improve Communication
  • Promote Physical Rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. For further information, please explore the rest of this site including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and the 2014 press release, "Setting the Record Straight: What Music Therapy Is... and Is Not."

 

Check In to AMTA Membership in 2019!

Join or Renew Your AMTA Membership Today! We are checking in with members across the country and invite you to do so as well. Check in with a friend, a colleague, or a student... see how they are doing, share experiences, and build a strong network. Help us strengthen our music therapy community!  We invite you to join AMTA in 2019 and remember that we need your voice! Each one of us improves and enhances the music therapy family. Read what others think at #CheckInChallenge on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds and check in to thoughts from our diverse and robust group of members! Learn about the long list of benefits that support you & your music therapy practice. 

 

Latest News

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Friday, November 15, 2019
2019 Election of AMTA Officers for the 2020-2021 Term
Reference this information for completion of your individual and confidential electronic ballot for the election of President Elect and Vice President Elect later this month. Continue Reading
 
Friday, November 1, 2019
AMTA Election: Candidates for 2020-2021 Term - Question 4
Please take a moment to meet the candidates who are running for President Elect and Vice President Elect for the 2020-2021 term and read their responses to Question 4: How would you describe your leadership style and how do you envision this style enhancing the work of the Board of Directors and the mission of AMTA? Continue Reading
 
Monday, October 28, 2019
Music Therapy Matters Monthly – Special Conference Issue
The 2019 Conference of AMTA, “Innovate, Integrate, Motivate” is quickly approaching. After November 13 please register on-site. Opening session events begin November 21 at 7:00 pm. Closing session ends November 24 at 2:00 pm. Special additional courses and trainings may be scheduled outside regular conference hours. This special issue of Music Therapy Matters is available to all. Continue Reading
 
Friday, October 18, 2019
New AMTA-pro Podcast: Substance Abuse and Music Therapy
In this AMTA-Pro podcast, Judith Pinkerton talks about her work providing services for adult patients diagnosed with Substance Abuse Disorders in three residential facilities of the American Addiction Centers in Las Vegas, Nevada. She shares information about dynamic, innovative music therapy services designed to meet the needs of patients, clinical staff, and administration, and she talks about session planning, treatment and prevention strategies, & self-care for the music therapist. Continue Reading
 
Friday, October 18, 2019
AMTA Election: Candidates for 2020-2021 Term - Question 3
Please take a moment to meet the candidates who are running for President Elect and Vice President Elect for the 2020-2021 term and read their responses to Question 3: What grass roots and professional experience(s) have you had that might contribute to your leadership ability? Watch for additional information and the candidates’ responses to questions about the profession of music therapy to be posted Continue Reading
 
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
2019 Arthur Flagler Fultz Awardee
AMTA is pleased to announce the 2019 Arthur Flagler Fultz Award recipient: Katherine Myers-Coffman, PhD, MT-BC; for her project titled - “Community-Based Implementation of the Resilience Songwriting Program for Adolescent Bereavement - A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.” Continue Reading
 
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
MTP Editorial Board - Nominations Sought 2020
We are currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of Music Therapy Perspectives, for a 6-year term.Nominations are due by Friday, December 6, 2019. Continue Reading
 
Friday, October 4, 2019
AMTA Election: Candidates for 2020-2021 Term - Question 2
Please take a moment to meet the candidates who are running for President Elect and Vice President Elect for the 2020-2021 term and read their responses to Question 2: What do you perceive as the crucial needs to be addressed by our profession? Watch for additional information and the candidates’ responses to questions about the profession of music therapy to be posted. Continue Reading
 
Saturday, September 28, 2019
AMTA Election: Candidates for 2020-2021 Term - Question 1
Please take a moment to meet the candidates who are running for President Elect and Vice President Elect for the 2020-2021 term and read their responses to Question 1: Why do you want to be AMTA President? Watch for additional information and the candidates’ responses to questions about the profession of music therapy to be posted. Continue Reading