Music Therapy Makes a Difference

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?

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. Click to learn more.

 
How Does Music Therapy Work?

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?

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?

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?

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, 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?

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 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?

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.

 
 
 
 

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!

Support 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. 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.

 

Latest News

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Tuesday, March 31, 2026
AMTA pays tribute to Tom Ott by continuing his legacy with the opening of the application period for the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award
It is with deep sadness that AMTA mourns the death of Tom Ott with his passing on March 19, 2026. Tom and Lucy Ott have been long time supporters of music therapy. The Ott’s generosity included many dimensions of music therapy, including the John Cali School of Music at Montclair, music therapy clinical training and the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award with AMTA. Continue Reading
 
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
2026 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award Applications Now Open!
The Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award is an annual research grant of $20,000. It was first awarded in 1999 by the then newly formed American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and generously supported by David’s Fund from Tom and Lucy Ott. The Award is designed to encourage, promote, and support research towards evidence-informed music therapy practice. Continue Reading
 
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Reviews Needed
AMTA is seeking Volunteer Reviewers for the 2026 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award Committee. Expectations include: Bulk of work to be completed in July 2026 Review 6-8 proposals using a rubric and rating guide 1 month to complete assigned reviews Continue Reading
 
Saturday, January 31, 2026
AMTA is seeking nominations for the 2025 member awards
Nominate a music therapy colleague and recognize the important work they do! Continue Reading
 
Saturday, January 31, 2026
AMTA is excited to announce the 2025 recipient of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award
Congratulations to the 2025 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award recipients, Amy Wilson, Ph.D., MT-BC, and Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, Ph.D., CBIST, FACRM, and their winning proposal, “Recovery through Intervention and Sound Engagement (RISE)." Continue Reading
 
Saturday, January 31, 2026
AMTA is Hiring! Education and Clinical Training Coordinator
AMTA is seeking a part-time Education and Clinical Training Coordinator to support music therapy education and clinical training programs nationwide. This role coordinates academic program and internship approvals in alignment with the AMTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training and serves as a primary resource for educators, internship directors, institutions, and interns. Continue Reading
 
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
American Music Therapy Association Stands With Minnesota
In response to the situation, AMTA Stands with Minnesota. Continue Reading