Do you know someone whose work has inspired you and strengthened the profession of music therapy? The AMTA Member Recognition Awards provide an opportunity to recognize colleagues, mentors, advocates, leaders, and professionals whose work has made a meaningful impact on our field. In August, the AMTA Board of Directors announced the 2025 Recipients at the Assembly of Delegates meeting, details on these recipients will be made available soon. 

Highlighted below are updates to the awards program.

Award of Merit: Emerging Leader
This newly established award recognizes emerging leaders who have demonstrated exceptional promise, service, and contributions to the profession early in their careers.

Professional Practice Award
This award is now open to both AMTA members and non-members. Nominees do not need to be current AMTA members; however, they must be nominated by a current AMTA member.

We encourage you to take time to recognize the outstanding individuals in your professional community by submitting a nomination.

Additional information about award categories, eligibility requirements, and the nomination process can be found in the Nomination Guidelines. Then submit your nomination. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

The deadline for 2026 nominations is September 28, 2026 by 11:59 pm, ET.

Thank you for helping us celebrate excellence, leadership, service, and innovation within the music therapy profession.

With Gratitude,
The 2026 AMTA Awards Committee