Music Therapist Judith Pinkerton, MA, MT-BC, is Honored as the First Recipient of the Aflac and Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives Award.

Recently, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Supreme Court case, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District emerged as landmark events significantly impacting special education services. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, Alice-Ann Darrow, Judith Jellison, Mary Adamek overview the recent legislation and court decisions, identify ways to advocate for music therapy services in schools based on the legislative and court actions, and share valuable resources critical for staying informed.

“The Cheater's Guide to Beating Alzheimer’s: New Research and Prevention Breakthroughs,” by Mary Spencer Scott in PARADE magazine (April 8, 2018), highlights the benefits of music as a promising approach to reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, especially music-making that requires participation, such as singing or playing an instrument.

AMTA participated with colleagues in a research workshop on "Music & the Brain" in early 2017 hosted by the National Institutes of Health. A brief summary of the proceedings is now available and published in the journal, Neuron. AMTA extends its gratitude to our esteemed colleagues who contributed to this important event.

As the nature of research moves toward online resources & methods, music therapists must take time to explore the ethics of online research. Nicki Cohen, a member of the AMTA Research Committee, shares insights & considerations related to ethics & music therapy research. Nicki discusses basic ethical principles, a brief history of unethical landmark research which resulted in legislation, & the advantages & disadvantages of online research methods.

Majoring in Music website highlights "how music therapy addresses trauma" for students interested in music therapy as a career in a new article: "Music Therapy Addresses Trauma – Careers That Change Lives." ​

AMTA is excited to present the updated, third edition of Music in Special Education. Special thanks to editors, Drs. Mary Adamek and Alice-Ann Darrow.

The process of the AMTA Executive Director Search is underway. Raffa, Inc. has been secured as our search firm, with Karen Schuler as contact. She will work directly with Past President Jennifer Geiger, Chair of the Search Committee. Members of the Search Committee include: Amber Weldon-Stephens, Deb Benkovitz Williams, Angie Snell, Michael Silverman, Alicia Clair and Ed Kahler.

Music Therapy Perspectives is moving forward at a dizzying pace. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, MTP’s incoming Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Laura Beer along with Associate Editors Dr. Jennifer Jones and Dr. Noah Potvin discuss AMTA’s partnership with Oxford University Press, highlighting a variety of avenues for music therapists and the broader audience to access the content of MTP in new and unique ways. The editorial team encourages clinicians, researchers, and even students to write and submit articles.

The final report of the MLE Subcommittee is now available. AMTA members are encouraged to read these documents. Regional conferences in 2018 will have opportunities for questions in person. The full report is contained in parts I, II, III and IV with a Report Overview.

A social media advisory statement was endorsed by the American Music Therapy Association. The document offers suggested guidance and expectations for music therapy professionals, interns, and students on the use of social media. Example case scenarios are provided with references and helpful resources. This advisory can be formatted for printing by clicking the "print" button and then sending to a local printer or saving to .pdf on most computers.

AMTA’s monthly newsletter is filled with important and timely information about the work AMTA does to further the profession and how membership in AMTA benefits YOU. Matters is available to as a benefit of your membership in AMTA but this January issue is being made available to non-members and members alike.

After three decades serving the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., Executive Director Andrea Farbman announces her retirement, effective December 31, 2018.

“Music Got Me Here” premiered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 10, 2018, to a packed crowd of medical personnel, music therapists, educators, administrators, and friends. Based on the resounding applause and standing ovations, the film touched audience members and promises to educate the general public and administrators alike about the power of music therapy as an evidence-based tool.

Watch the highlights reel from the 2017 AMTA Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri as well as speeches from our Lifetime Achievement Awardees, Linda Bosse and Deforia Lane.