Music Therapy Matters, Volume 16, No 1 is now available for current AMTA members at www.musictherapy.org.

"American Idol" finalists visit Children's Hospital Los Angeles and experience a music therapy program offered within the hospital's Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit.

“Researchers concluded that live music, played or sung, helped to slow infants' heartbeats, calm their breathing, improve sucking behaviors important for feeding, aid sleep & promote states of quiet alertness. Doctors & researchers say that by reducing stress & stabilizing vital signs, music can allow infants to devote more energy to normal development...” “Some neonatologists say babies receiving music therapy leave hospitals sooner, which can aid development & family bonding & save money.”

Music therapists Ashley Taylor, Lisa Gallagher, Megan Peterson, Carolyn Bowes, Heather Lantry, Faith Halverson-Ramos, & JoAnn Jordan gathered around the AMTA-Pro microphone. What do these colleagues have in common? All have experienced cancer from different viewpoints. In this podcast, available to current AMTA members, they talk briefly about challenges related to their cancer & share thoughtful insights & suggestions for music therapists working with people diagnosed with cancer.

Music Therapist and AMTA member, Dr. Michael Viega was a panelist on a Huffington Post Live webcast exploring "Your Brain on Art." The panel discussed research studying brain activity of free style rappers and the possible implications for creativity. Thanks to Michael for plugging music therapy!

New procedure to submit Research Abstract Submissions for the 2013 AMTA National Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Deadline for submissions is June 7, 2013. Make your plans now!

Amy Goyer, author, consultant and AARP's Family Expert, is also a former practicing music therapist. She has particular expertise in multigenerational and grandparenting issues. She is a blogger and spokesperson for AARP. Amy has presented at many AMTA conferences in the past. She recently wrote about using her music therapy experience with her own family. You can read her blog here: http://blog.aarp.org/2013/03/15/amy-goyer-music-therapy-as-a-tool-for-caregiver/ ​

Available to current AMTA members, music therapists Megumi Azekawa, Jeanne Quam, and Steve Quam experience Parkinson’s from three vastly different perspectives. Megumi is involved in the clinical and music therapy research aspect; Steve lives inside Parkinson’s after being diagnosed with the condition; and Jeanne experiences Parkinson’s from the perspective of spouse and care partner. All three music therapists share insights, experiences, and wisdom of great value to their colleagues.

James Markert’s new novel, A White Wind Blew, describes a dedicated physician battling the 1920s Tuberculosis epidemic without today’s antibiotics. Dr. Wolfgang Pike’s passion for music drives him to play his violin and create a patient orchestra to battle TB, the irrepressible enemy. Markert’s sister-in-law is a music therapist and an AMTA member.

Back in June of 2012, Sally Abrahms, a writer and blogger who specializes in aging and boomers, contacted AMTA National Office about a story she was working on for AARP on family caregivers and music. The result was the following article in the current edition of the AARP Bulletin, one of the most widely read magazines in the world. Thanks to many AMTA members who refocused her project more on music therapy, continuing to create greater awareness of our wonderful profession.

Plan now for the 2013 AMTA Annual Conference with Conference Registration and Hotel Rates. Remember, the deadline to submit proposal submissions for the 2013 conference is March 31, 2013!

Announcing on March 1, 2013, the launch of imagine.unlimited, a global collaboration that connects early childhood music therapy research and practice.