Music therapy clinician/scholars will speak on research & working with military populations at the Creative Forces Clinical Research Summit, September 18-19, 2017 at the National Academies of Science in Washington, DC. The event is an opportunity to gather world-renowned experts to discuss clinical approaches to creative arts therapies, culminating in a conversation about a research agenda for the next five years as part of the Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.

AMTA is honored to welcome renowned soprano, Renée Fleming, as newest artist spokesperson for AMTA & Music Therapy. Ms. Fleming not only captivates audiences, but is also passionate about the importance and potential of music for health and well-being, especially in the form of music therapy. AMTA welcomes Ms. Fleming’s commitment to exploring the science and benefits of music therapy interventions for wellness and rehabilitation.

The August, 2017 study published in JAMA by Bieleninik et al., regarding the effects of an improvisational approach to music therapy for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the subject of considerable attention in the popular press and among the community of Board Certified Music Therapists, parents of children with ASD, other consumers with ASD, and interested stakeholders in the United States.

Please take a moment to meet the candidates who are running for President Elect and Vice President Elect for the 2018-2019 term and note the new voting procedure in this year's election.

Music therapy colleagues Dr. Alan Turry and Jacqueline Birnbaum sat down at the AMTA-Pro microphone to explore the history and practice of Nordoff-Robbins music therapy, and to share songs and stories illustrating the music-centered approach to therapy where elements of music, active listening, creativity, flexibility, and interactive music-making are used in the clinical process. The text section of this AMTA-Pro podcast includes additional resources, photographs and other information.

AMTA thanks Edo Banach, JD, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) President and CEO for sharing this moving commentary about his experience participating in a hospice music therapy session. AMTA appreciates partnering with CBMT and NHPCO, as we collaborate to increase awareness of music therapy benefits and the importance of the MT-BC credential.

The AMTA Board of Directors met at the Maritime Institute outside of Baltimore, MD for approximately 23 hours during the 2017 Mid-Year meeting, from May 31 through June 5. Read on for meeting highlights.​

On Thursday June 22, the United States Senate released a discussion draft of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), which is their version of a healthcare reform bill.

Howard University student Maya Rogers is a recipient of the Formation Scholars award, a scholarship for women created by Beyoncé! Last year Maya, a successful musician with many film & commercial credits, visited the AMTA national office & spent time with Administrative Coordinator & music therapist Dianne Wawrzusin, exploring her interest in music therapy. Dianne & Beyoncé were both impressed, & the $25,000 scholarship will help Maya finish her studies & begin a new chapter in her life.

Each year, the AMTA Board of Directors honors two long-time members with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Board is delighted to announce the 2017 recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award: Linda Bosse and Dr. Deforia Lane.

AMTA Past President Ronna Kaplan talks about her experience at the recent "Sound Health: Music & the Mind" event, held in partnership with AMTA, NIH, NEA, & the Kennedy Center in her latest Huffington Post column: "Imagine the present, with concert halls and theaters full of musicians, neuroscientists, music therapists, researchers, clients, their family members, general patrons and lovers of the arts, and more."

"Sound Health: Music and the Mind" came to the stages of the Kennedy Center, June 2 and 3, 2017. June 3rd featured a series of workshops that included an interactive presentation curated by Dr. Sheri Robb titled "Breakthroughs in Music Therapy: Recovery, Resilience, and Quality of Life."

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. held a two-day event, “Sound Health: Music and the Mind,” honoring the power of music and music therapy. Kicked off with a National Symphony Orchestra concert on June 2nd, June 3rd featured a full day of sessions with interactive presentations and shows, including one curated by Dr. Sheri Robb, “Breakthroughs with Music Therapy: Recovery, Resilience, Quality of Life.”

This year, the National Memorial Day Concert honored Capt. Luis Avila, a military policeman severely injured after an IED explosion. During the performance segment, featuring acclaimed singer Renée Fleming, a special moment was dedicated to the importance of music therapy services for veterans. Capt. Avila and music therapist, Rebecca Vaudreuil, joined Ms. Fleming on stage to recognize the importance of music therapy in the rehabilitation of America's veterans.

Michael Silverman specializes in music therapy for adults with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, he talks about single-session music therapy for individuals dealing with complex problems with complicated solutions. Michael provides an overview of educational music therapy interventions, research literature, and how to expediently engage patients in treatment in acute care mental health settings.