AMTA Member Recognition Awards
Celebrating Lasting Contributions
About the Member Recognition Awards
AMTA recognizes the work of members and advocates through an annual awards process. These awards are not simply granted through the institutional structure of AMTA. They come from the membership.
Members nominate peers, an Awards Committee reviews nominations, and final award decisions are made by the AMTA Board of Directors. This process helps ensure that recognition reflects the experiences, respect, and recommendations of colleagues across the profession.
Nominations are open once per year for a set period. When nominations are open, AMTA members may submit individuals for consideration according to the published nomination procedures. Once the nomination period begins, members can use the button below to submit their nominations.
Honoring Diverse Contributions
Award Categories
Publications Award
The Research/Publications Award honors a member of the American Music Therapy Association who is making, or has made, significant contributions to the body of knowledge of the music therapy profession. This may include contributions through:
- Research
- Scholarly activity
- Creative products
- Publications or other work that advances knowledge
- Efforts that support the continued development of the profession
This award recognizes work that helps move music therapy forward through inquiry, scholarship, and shared knowledge.
Advocate of Music Therapy Award
The Advocate of Music Therapy Award honors an individual who is not a music therapist and who has contributed significantly to the field of music therapy. Contributions may include:
- Major or repeated public acknowledgment of music therapy
- Significant support through scholarships or other funding
- Major volunteer time dedicated to advancing the profession
- Support for music therapy groups, regions, or initiatives
- Other meaningful efforts that better the interests of music therapy
These examples are not the only ways someone may qualify. The award is designed to recognize strong and meaningful advocacy for music therapy in many forms.
Service Award
The Service Award recognizes AMTA members whose leadership and service have made significant contributions to the Association and the music therapy profession. Service may reflect long-term commitment or focused contributions in roles such as:
- National officers
- Chairs of commissions
- Chairs of standing committees
- Chairs of ad hoc committees
- Members of the AMTA Board of Directors
- Members of the Assembly of Delegates
- Leaders in other service roles that support AMTA and the profession
This award honors those who give their time, leadership, and expertise to strengthen the professional community.
Professional Practice Award
The Professional Practice Award recognizes AMTA members who have made significant contributions to music therapy practice through skills or knowledge in areas such as:
- Therapeutic practice
- Clinical supervision
- Education
- Administration
The award honors excellence in practice, including scholarly contributions and leadership that strengthen the music therapy profession.
Award of Merit and Award of Merit Emerging Leader
- An outstanding contribution in therapeutic practice, education, research, or service
- Nominee’s contribution benefits the profession and the Association
- Create communications that promote their philosophies and contributions
- Participate in association activities at the regional and national level
Note: Emerging Leaders are in their first five (5) years of practice.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious honor presented by the American Music Therapy Association. It recognizes an individual whose career reflects extraordinary and sustained commitment to the growth of music therapy and the mission of AMTA. Contributions may include:
- Long-term and consistent service
- Leadership and influence within the profession
- Advancement of AMTA’s mission
- Innovation and professional excellence
- Advocacy and community engagement
- A lasting impact on music therapy
Selected and bestowed by the AMTA Board of Directors, this award honors a lifetime of dedication and may be presented posthumously.
Celebrate Meaningful Contributions
Take the Next Step
Help recognize the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and contributions have made a meaningful impact on music therapy and the profession. If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, consider honoring their achievements through an AMTA award nomination this year.
