"Music has an innate quality that can assist us in the healing process from surgery. It can make us relax beforehand and soothe us afterwards. This art form is more than notes on a page or jingles on the radio. It is an art that can aid in the healing process and create a world in which the patient is stress free."

Available to current AMTA members, Dr. Laura Brown takes a brief break from teaching music therapy students at Western Illinois University for an AMTA-Pro Podcast interview about her research into the impact of music on emotional processing in the social interaction of children diagnosed with autism.​

In January 2013, music therapy bloggers and podcasters worked with the American Music Therapy Association and Certification Board for Music Therapists to spread the word about music therapy advocacy and the State Recognition Operational Plan through the social media airwaves. Thanks to all who participated! Read on for a full list.

Announcing the launch of Dr. Alicia Clair's AMTA E-course, "Music Therapy and Dementia: Protocols for Managing Problem Behaviors." Listen at your leisure and earn 5 CMTE credits from AMTA, a CBMT Approved Provider. This and other e-courses are available for purchase in the AMTA online store and at a discounted price for current AMTA members.

After his stroke, doctors told Bill Forester’s family he may never speak or walk again. He turned to music therapy to retrain his brain and re-learn the skills he lost.

Amy Smith describes situations she encounters in her daily work and ways in which music therapy interventions impact infants and their families during critical days in the NICU. She discusses ways in which music can help parents connect with their little ones, normalize interactions, develop family rituals and familiar routines in the hectic hospital atmosphere, help their baby reach developmental milestones even when chronically ill, and celebrating in the midst of stress.

In January 2013, almost four dozen music therapy bloggers and podcasters are working with the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) as they spread the word about music therapy advocacy and the State Recognition Operational Plan through the social media airwaves.

Parents can be powerful spokespersons regarding the impact of music therapy on their child. In the following award-winning story, one such father describes poignantly his daughter’s life challenges and her vital experiences in music therapy at the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at NYU Steinhardt School.

In honor of National Day of Service, January 19, 2013, Ben is performing on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in front of a crowd of thousands of community service volunteers who are gathering from around the country. The community service he has chosen to represent is Music Therapy.

A donation to the American Music Therapy Association's disaster response program fund from the Brenda H. Kaplan Music Fund will fund music therapy services among children affected by the Newtown, CT shooting. Music therapy services will be offered in cooperation with Board Certified Music Therapists who serve Newtown area schools.

AMTA Past President Ronna Kaplan shares information about new music therapy programs designed to support Veterans and their families as well as a review of music therapy's long history in serving the military.​

The American Music Therapy Association is deeply saddened by events that happened in Newtown, Connecticut this past week. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Newtown and the entire New England region. We wish all those affected by this tragedy peace and comfort.