American Music Therapy Association

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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. Click the picture to learn more.

What is the Profession of Music Therapy?

How Does Music Therapy Work?

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

Is Music Therapy Effective?

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. Click the picture to learn more.

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. Click to learn more.

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?

Those who complete an approved music therapy degree, internship, and who pass the Certification Board for Music Therapists' certifying exam, earning the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist, Board Certified). Click the picture to learn more.

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?

AMTA promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication two research journals and other sources. A substantial body of literature exists to support its effectiveness. Click the picture to learn more.

What is AMTA's 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. Click the picture to learn more.

AMTA System Issues: June 6, 2025

AMTA Community,

Please check your email for an update regarding access to our Journals. We continue to work closely with YourMembership, American Eagle (Website host) and Oxford University Press to fix ongoing technical issues related to access to the Member Resource Area, Find a Music Therapist and the Internship and Academic Program search.

We sincerely apologize for these issues. Look to this space for further updates.

Please contact info@musictherapy.org with any questions.

You Can Help Support Music Therapy!

The American Music Therapy Association^® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world. You can help support this mission.

Please visit the donation campaign on GiveLively
and make a tax-deductible donation today!

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. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals and many can benefit from music therapy services. The base of evidence in music therapy research is extensive and strong.

AMTA works to support and strengthen the music therapy profession, expand access to music therapy, raise awareness about its benefits, support research, and empower music therapists to serve diverse populations.

AMTA Membership in 2025!

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Latest News

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Sunday, June 22, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 6-22-25

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released its version of the Reconciliation Bill, which proposes even more cuts to healthcare than the U.S. House bill that passed last month. Learn what action you can take to make your voice heard. Continue Reading

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Journal of Music Therapy seeks Co-Lead Editor

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is seeking a Co-Lead Editor for the Journal of Music Therapy, joining current Co-Lead Editor Dr. Kimberly Sena Moore. A detailed position description and application details are provided in the PDF document below. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Co-Lead editor for more detailed information. Contact information and application requirements are listed in the PDF. Applications are due no later than 5:00 pm ET, July 31, 2025. » Download Document

Saturday, June 14, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 6-14-25

AMTA Government Relations continues to monitor and respond to a variety of issues related to federal and state policy, legislation, and regulations. T ) his update provides some positive news (Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act, HB 3852and updates on ways you can effectively engage in the multitude of advocacy opportunities. Continue Reading

Sunday, May 18, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 5-18-25

The proposed budget cuts have left the House Energy and Commerce Committee to be combined into the full budget package. Your voice continues to matter as the Budget Committee prepares to vote on this bill. Continue Reading

Monday, May 12, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 5-12-25

CBMT and AMTA are collaborating to notify the music therapy community of the impact of the latest US House of Representatives budget proposal. Urgent action is needed. Call your Representatives today. Continue Reading

Sunday, May 4, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 5-4-25

The President's "skinny" budget is released with information on further cuts, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Continue Reading

Saturday, April 26, 2025

AMTA Government Relations Update 4-26-25

On April 16, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2026 Discretionary budget was made public. AMTA Government Relations completed a full review, resulting in the following insights and information. In addition, Congress is preparing to vote on a FY25 rescissions package. Information is provided below on what this is and the potential impact, courtesy of the Americans for the Arts, April 23, 2025 update. Continue Reading

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The American Music Therapy Association® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and accepts contributions which support its mission. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.

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