American Music Therapy Association

AMTA Awards Grant to Swedish Medical Center Foundation

 

American Music Therapy Association and Swedish Medical Center Partner to Increase Music Therapy Services for Individuals with Cancer and Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

SILVER SPRING, MD – OCTOBER 15, 2016 – The Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project, a project of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), is pleased to announce the awarding of a $56,875 matching grant to Swedish Medical Center Foundation for its music therapy initiative to increase music therapy services at the Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) and the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center (MS Center).  The award will be used to increase music therapy services provided by a credentialed music therapist in the SCI and MS Center. This award significantly increases the effort provided by the Board Certified Music Therapist over the next two years to 27 hours weekly.

The overall goal of the music therapy program supported by this award is to increase clients’ awareness and abilities to cope with their diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis using music-based interventions.  Furthermore, the program seeks to support neurologic function for individuals in terms of motor, speech and language, and cognitive goals.  As the program continues to develop, music therapy services are expected to grow as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team. One anticipated outcome is learning how to incorporate music therapy techniques into one’s daily life to support rehabilitation goals and coping skills.

Participants of music therapy are not required to have any background or experience in music. Music therapy services provide opportunities for participants to build insight and awareness, exercise functional movement patterns, enhance self-directed coping skills, and promote wellness through active and passive music experiences. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, music therapy sessions are designed to build community and improve group cohesion for all who participate. Through additional demand and interest, the program has grown to include private sessions with clients and family members in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

Background

Music therapy is the clinical and 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.  Music therapy has been used in hospitals for many years and the music therapist is a vital member of treatment teams serving patients and their families.

The Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project is a project that evolved from a generous donation made by Seattle-area benefactors to AMTA in 2010.  AMTA received this donation as a legacy gift from the Eleanor and Raymond Wilson Charitable Trust to advance access to quality music therapy services to those in need in the Puget Sound area. Mrs. Eleanor Wilson was a passionate advocate for music and the environment. The Wilsons lived in the area and supported numerous music and arts programs in the greater Seattle Area.  To date, the Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project has funded professional development grants and technical assistance for music therapists; provided student practicum support at Seattle Pacific University, location of the first music therapy degree program in Washington State; and supported matching grants for music therapy services at Seattle Children’s, Snohomish County Music Project, and University of Washington Medical Center.

About Swedish Medical Center

Swedish was founded in 1910 and is the largest nonprofit health-care provider in the Greater Seattle area, with five hospital campuses and numerous clinics and specialty centers.  Swedish’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of each person we serve. With over 12,000 physicians, allied health professionals and employees, Swedish strives to demonstrate the highest-quality care through patient-centered programs, streamlined clinical models and comprehensive support services. Swedish Medical Center Foundation raises philanthropic and community support for programs and activities of Swedish Health Services. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

About the American Music Therapy Association

Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, the American Music Therapy Association is a nonprofit educational organization representing music therapists.  AMTA’s purpose is the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings. 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.

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