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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?

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?

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's 2021 Conference is Going Virtual

#AMTA21 is going fully virtual - click to learn more

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Bristol Myers Squibb and AMTA Team Up with Ben Platt and Sister-in-Law Courtney Platt to Launch MS in Harmony

A first-of-its-kind music therapy offering for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), MS in Harmony is a digital offering designed to help people living with multiple sclerosis achieve mind-body harmony through music therapy techniques. Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 Resources
for Music Therapists and Students

AMTA Membership in 2021!

Join AMTA or Renew Your Membership Today!

Access to over 60 CMTE credits included with membership (includes required ethics credits!)
Membership payment support options
Discounts on first years of Professional membership for new professionals
You can also join off line; simply print out a 2021 Membership Application form and send it in with your payment.

Latest News

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Friday, June 18, 2021

2021 Election: Officer Candidates

AMTA Officer Candidates for the 2021 election. Stay tuned each month for greater depth into their passions and purposes for running for office. Continue Reading

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Community Conversations: Supporting Caregiver Health

Join us for the next Community Conversations on June 29 at 7 pm! This forum is open to all and will focus on music therapy student and professional well-being. Registration in advance required. Continue Reading

Monday, June 14, 2021

Wolf Administration Announces Statewide Partnership to Provide Music Therapy Services to Frontline Healthcare Workers

Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) Executive Director, Karl Blischke, today announced one of the country's first statewide partnerships using creative arts therapies to support well-being and resiliency among frontline healthcare workers. Continue Reading

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Live Music Guidance and COVID-19

AMTA appreciates ongoing efforts of clinicians, educators, and students to provide safe music therapy interventions in healthcare and education settings. Facilities rely on federal, state, local, and business recommendations regarding infection control measures to protect patients, residents, and personnel. This document provides some additional resources members might find helpful when implementing strategies and advocating for the use of live music in clinical environments. Continue Reading

Monday, June 7, 2021

AMTA-Pro Podcast - Michelle Hairston

Michelle Hairston was introduced to music therapy as a toddler. Her dad, Dr. Olin Parker, studied at University of Kansas with Dr. E. Thayer Gaston, the "Father of Music Therapy." Dr. Gaston took time over the dinner table one evening to tell her about the ins and outs of a career in music therapy, firmly convincing Michelle of her career path. Michelle tells the story of her professional life and of the "of course you can!" encouragement she received from several key figures. 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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Silver Spring MD 20910
Phone: 301.589.3300 Fax: 301.589.5175