American Music Therapy Association

The deadline for application submission for the 2024 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award has been extended until 11:59pm EST on July 23, 2024.

AMTA is excited to announce the 2023 recipient of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award: Congratulations to Dr. Helen Shoemark, Dr. Anthony Meadows and team for their 2023 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award winning proposal “National Outcomes Measurement for Music Therapy (NOM-MT) in Acute Healthcare Settings: Phase 1 - A Descriptive Analysis of One Year of Music Therapy Services in a Pediatric and Adult Hospital.”

The Journal of Music Therapy seeks applicants for the position of Associate Editor of Manuscripts. The Journal of Music Therapy (JMT) is a forum for authoritative articles of current music therapy research and theory, including book reviews and guest editorials.

The purpose of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund is to encourage, promote, and fund music therapy research and/or to conduct research on new and innovative music therapy treatments. The Fund seeks to support research in the field of music therapy in the following areas:

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) invites applicants for one open position as Associate Editor/Communications. Information and details about the position may be found in the description below as part of this call for interested applicants. The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm Eastern, February 10 2023.

We are delighted to share that the first full social justice issue in Music Therapy Perspective’s 40 year history has just been published open access for 3 months. Congratulations to the co-editors, Adenike Webb and Sangeeta Swamy, and the other authors who write from their own lived experience as minoritized music therapists, educators, supervisors, researchers and students.

AMTA is excited to announce the 2022 recipient of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award: Alaine E. Reschke-Hernández, PhD, MT-BC for her study entitled Effectiveness of a Collaborative Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth Framework to Address the Well Being of Community Dwelling Older Adults

Research Networks to Promote Multidisciplinary Mechanistic Studies on Music-Based Interventions for Pain or Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) – RFA-AT-23-006 The National Institutes of Health is soliciting applications to support a collection of research networks that promote multidisciplinary mechanistic studies of music-based interventions (MBIs) for pain or Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). These networks are expected to develop compelling research frameworks that will effectively guide future clinical studies on MBIs.

the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to solicit applications for: Research Networks to Promote Multidisciplinary Mechanistic Studies on Music-Based Interventions for Pain or Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (U24 Clinical Trial Optional). Please refer to FOA: RFA-AT-23-006 for more information. The application deadline for this opportunity is January 10, 2023.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is hosting a teaming activity on October 13, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. ET for the following funding opportunity announcement (FOA): REsearch Across Complementary and Integrative Health Institutions (REACH) Virtual Resource Centers (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - RFA-AT-23-007.

Sound Health Network and the American Music Therapy Association Team up to Create an Infographic Illustrating how Music Therapy can Benefit Mental Health Stories abound about how music has healing properties, and how many people turned to music in the darkest hours of the pandemic. But what is the evidence that music can impact our mental health?

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) invites applicants for Associate Editor Position at the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives.

AMTA invites applicants for one open position as Associate Editor – Communications to support the dissemination of research in the "Journal of Music Therapy.".

The American Music Therapy Association is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2022 Clinician-Based Grant (CBG). The CBG program supports applied research grants in music therapy with funding up to $5,000.

Music Therapy Perspectives and the Journal of Music Therapy invite applicants for a new Assistant Editor position (one position for each journal).

The American Music Therapy Association invites applicants for one open position as Associate Editor for manuscript reviews for "Music Therapy Perspectives." The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm Eastern, December 22, 2020.

The extended deadline for 2020 Arthur Flagler Fultz Award submissions is July 6, 2020.

COVID-19 has presented challenges for us all as we work together to remain as productive as possible. AMTA will continue to monitor services and adjust where possible. Deadlines for scholarship applications and the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award have been extended.

The 2020 Fultz Application and Guidelines are now posted in the Research section of the AMTA website. The purpose of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund is to encourage, promote, and fund music therapy research and/or to conduct research on new and innovative music therapy treatments. https://www.musictherapy.org/research/fultz/ ​​

AMTA is pleased to announce the 2019 Arthur Flagler Fultz Award recipient: Katherine Myers-Coffman, PhD, MT-BC; for her project titled - “Community-Based Implementation of the Resilience Songwriting Program for Adolescent Bereavement - A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.”

We are currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of Music Therapy Perspectives, for a 6-year term.Nominations are due by Friday, December 6, 2019.

We are currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Music Therapy for the 2020–2025 term.

Applications for this year's Research Fund Award must be submitted electronically to fultz@musictherapy.org and received by May 3, 2019, 5:00 p.m., EST. The application form is available here: http://www.musictherapy.org/research/fultz/​

Congratulations to 2018 Clinician-Based Grant recipient Erin Fox, MA, MT-BC, for her proposal “Music Therapy Assessment of Imminently Dying Hospice Patients: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Clinical Practice.”​

Call for Research Poster Session Submissions for the 2019 AMTA Annual Conference. Individuals are encouraged to submit content information describing works in progress and/or completed works for Oral Presentation (Paper) or Poster Presentation. Diverse methodologies are encouraged.

The 2019 Fultz Application and Guidelines are now posted in the Research section of the AMTA website. The purpose of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund is to encourage, promote, and fund music therapy research and/or to conduct research on new and innovative music therapy treatments.

The Journal of Music Therapy is currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to its Editorial Board. Editorial board members read and evaluate submitted manuscripts and serve in an advisory capacity to the Editor-in-Chief.

The American Music Therapy Association is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2019 Clinician-Based Grant (CBG). The CBG program supports applied research grants in music therapy with funding up to $5,000.

The American Music Therapy Association invites applicants for two open positions as Associate Editor for manuscript reviews.

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), in response to the impressive growth and expansion of the "Journal of Music Therapy" (JMT), is pleased to announce a change in the journal’s editorial structure and duties. The journal seeks applicants for open positions to join an expanded editorial team.

Due to the generosity of Tom and Lucy Ott, and years of success, the 2018 Arthur Flagler Fultz Award will increase to $20,000.

We are currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Music Therapy.

We are currently seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of Music Therapy Perspectives, for a 6-year term.

As a reminder, AMTA is receiving applications for the positions of Editor-in-Chief for its two journals, JMT and MTP. The application period will extend through Friday, May 26 5:00pm ET to allow interested parties at academic institutions extra time around the busy end of semester. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Co-Chairs of the Editor-in-Chief Selection Committee, Drs. Mary Adamek (mary-adamek@uiowa.edu) and Michele Forinash (forinasm@lesley.edu), with questions.

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) invites applicants for two positions as Editors-in-Chief for AMTA’s journals, the Journal of Music Therapy (JMT) and Music Therapy Perspectives (MTP). Submissions are invited immediately and must be received no later than 5:00 PM ET on Friday, May 26, 2017, 5:00 pm Eastern time.

Congressional briefing titled: NIH Research Plan on Rehabilitation – Moving the Field Forward, held on Capitol Hill on December 8th

The American Music Therapy Association is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2016-2017 Clinician-Based Grant (CBG). The CBG program supports applied research grants in music therapy with funding up to $5,000.

Nominations are due by October 14, 2016 and should be sent electronically to Sheri L. Robb, Editor of the "Journal of Music Therapy"

Congratulations to Dr. Joke Bradt (Drexel University) and her colleagues Dr. Cheryl Dileo (Temple University), Dr. Lucanne Magill (New York University) and Aaron Teague (Drexel University) for the publication of their updated Cochrane review: ‘Music Interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients’. The update is highlighted as a feature review on the main website of the Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org).

AMTA Briefs Air Force Officials at the Pentagon and Advocates for Expanded Music Therapy Programs and Qualified Music Therapists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The American Music Therapy Association invites applicants for four new Associate Editor positions. Two Associate Editors will be appointed to the Journal of Music Therapy (JMT) and two to Music Therapy Perspectives (MTP).

AMTA convened “Improving Access and Quality: Music Therapy Research 2025” (MTR2025), July 16-18, 2015. This visionary symposium was designed to recommend guidance for the future of research in music therapy, made possible by a generous donation from David’s Fund and Tom and Lucy Ott. Read on for more than 40 recommendations and conclusions from this historic and innovative research symposium.

AMTA is hosting, “IMPROVING ACCESS AND QUALITY: MUSIC THERAPY RESEARCH 2025” (MTR 2025) scheduled July 16-18, 2015. This is a working symposium sponsored by AMTA to recommend guidance for future research in music therapy. Interested music therapy professionals are invited to attend this meeting as general attendees and observers on a first-come, first served basis until meeting room capacity is reached. Registration will open May 4, 2015 at 11am ET.

Applications for this year's Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund Award must be submitted electronically to fultz@musictherapy.org and received by May 8, 2015, 5:00 p.m., EST.

Music Therapy Matters, Volume 18, Number 1 is now available for current AMTA members at www.musictherapy.org.​

Music therapist Dr. Joke Bradt, presented the opening plenary speech for the “Third National Summit: Advancing Research in the Arts for Health and Well-being across the Military Continuum” held on February 27, 2015, featuring her NIH-sponsored research on chronic pain and vocal music therapy.

Proposal submissions are now being accepted for the 2015 AMTA Conference: Music Therapy, a Continuum of Growth. Click to read the proposal policy and use the online submission form.

Join AMTA today and receive 2015 subscriptions to both the "Journal of Music Therapy" and "Music Therapy Perspectives" (both print and online access!). Read on to learn more about upcoming features in these two journals in 2015.

Seeking nominations for appointment of persons to the Editorial Board of Music Therapy Perspectives, for a 6-year term.

AMTA Executive Director, Dr. Andi Farbman, AMTA Director of Professional Programs, Jane Creagan, and AMTA Director of Government Relations, Judy Simpson met with Dr. Heechin Chae, the Director of the NICoE (National Intrepid Center of Excellence) Intrepid Spirit/TBI Clinic at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.​

AMTA-member, Professor Ed Roth, MM, MT-BC, of Western Michigan University, presented preliminary information from a pilot fMRI study examining mechanisms for improvisation in children at the recent annual meeting of the APA. His research partner, Dr. Charles Limb, is a renowned otolaryngologist and musician at Johns Hopkins University. The session was sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

We have exciting news! MTP 32(1) is at the printer & online. Be sure to check it out when it arrives at your door, with new cover design & featuring a special focus topic with Guest Editor, Dr. Alan Turry. Advance online articles are coming online now. As a reminder, members may access the journal online through the portal in the AMTA website. Go to Research>Journals and Publications and scroll to the link titled "Music Therapy Perspectives AMTA Member Access Portal" or under QuickLinks.

The second issue of the Journal of Music Therapy (Volume 51, Issue 2), is now on its way to members’ and subscribers’ mailboxes

Leading music therapists and neuro-scientists from around the world will meet with composers, parents and other stakeholders at Goldsmiths University of London to develop a music therapy research agenda for fragile infants at the inaugural meeting of Mandari.

The first issue of the NEW Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 51, Issue 1, is now on its way to members’ and subscribers’ mailboxes.

Dr. Daniel Levitin was featured in the June 9, 2014 interview hosted by the American Psychological Association’s Speaking of Psychology podcast interview series. Episode 11 of the podcast series titled, “Music and your Health” is online now. Dr. Levitin clarifies for the listening audience the definition of music therapy citing the American Music Therapy Association.

AMTA and the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH/NCI/OCCAM) Convene Historic Meeting.

Music Therapy Matters, Volume 17, No 1 is now available for current AMTA members at www.musictherapy.org.

AMTA invites applicants for four Associate Editor positions. Two Associate Editors will be appointed to the Journal of Music Therapy and two to Music Therapy Perspectives. Associate Editors will work collaboratively with the Editor-In-Chief to manage the review process and advance the mission of the journals. Deadlines have been extended to May 2, 2014.

The American Music Therapy Association invites applicants for four Associate Editor positions. Two Associate Editors will be appointed to the Journal of Music Therapy and two to Music Therapy Perspectives.

AMTA announces the publication of "Music Therapy and Military Populations: A Status Report and Recommendations on Music Therapy Treatment, Programs, Research, and Practice Policy." This landmark report discusses the profession of music therapy with a focus on both active duty service members and veterans.​

The American Music Therapy Association would like invite music therapists and scholars from all over the world to submit your proposals to present at the AMTA 2014 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, “Pursue Your Passion for Music Therapy.”

Dr. Anthony Meadows, editor of the journal Music Therapy Perspectives, in his first Oxford University Press blog.

“Researchers concluded that live music, played or sung, helped to slow infants' heartbeats, calm their breathing, improve sucking behaviors important for feeding, aid sleep & promote states of quiet alertness. Doctors & researchers say that by reducing stress & stabilizing vital signs, music can allow infants to devote more energy to normal development...” “Some neonatologists say babies receiving music therapy leave hospitals sooner, which can aid development & family bonding & save money.”

New procedure to submit Research Abstract Submissions for the 2013 AMTA National Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Deadline for submissions is June 7, 2013. Make your plans now!

The AMTA Board approved the recommendation of the Research Committee review panel, whose recommendation was to fund the research project:: “Effect of Music Assisted Relaxation Pre-Operative Training on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients’ Pain Perception after Spinal Fusion (SF) Surgery,” as the recipient of the 2012 AMTA Clinician Based Grant. The Primary Investigator is Kirsten Nelson, MT-BC, from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Available to current AMTA members, Dr. Laura Brown takes a brief break from teaching music therapy students at Western Illinois University for an AMTA-Pro Podcast interview about her research into the impact of music on emotional processing in the social interaction of children diagnosed with autism.​

For the first time, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Academy of Sciences will co-host a public workshop that will explore the benefit of the arts to the health and well-being of older adults. The workshop is expected to help inform the NEA and the NIH of potential opportunities for research in this area.

SILVER SPRING, MD – August 30, 2012 – The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Editors of AMTA’s peer-reviewed journals, the Journal of Music Therapy (JMT) and Music Therapy Perspectives (MTP), are pleased to announce a publication enhancement with the launch of PeerTrack™. The customized software supports online article submission and peer review.

SILVER SPRING, MD – August 6, 2012 A recent small grant research award from the NIH, National Institute of Nursing Research funded a pilot study examining the effects of vocal music therapy on core outcomes in chronic pain management. The Principal Investigator of the study is Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC, Associate Professor, Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University. Dr. Bradt is a music therapist and Professional Member of the American Music Therapy Association.

The 2011 Annual Report is now available. Read on to review highlights, successes and progress made last year as the music therapy profession became stronger than ever!

Music therapy and music interventions were added to the NIH/NCI PDQ on Supportive and Palliative Care. The online entry includes a short description on the use of music therapy for pain. The final copy is online in a physician and patient version.

The PAL device, invented by AMTA-member, Dr. Jayne Standley, is now widely available. Florida State University has announced the availability of the Pacifier Activated Lullaby (PAL) device to hospitals around the world.

Here's your chance to be included in the AMTA 2012 Conference Research Poster Session. Deadline for submissions is June 29, 2012.

The National Endowment for the Arts is leading a new task force to encourage research on how the arts help people reach their full potential at all stages of life. A white paper titled "The Arts and Human Development: Framing a National Research Agenda for the Arts, Lifelong Learning, and Individual Well-Being," examines the relationship between the arts and positive health and educational outcomes at various segments of the lifespan.

Music therapy was the topic on "Science Friday" with Ira Flatow and guests, Oliver Sacks, Connie Tomaino, Joke Bradt, and Andrew Rosetti. Check the Science Friday website for podcasts.

AMTA releases its 2010 Annual Report. Read more for a review of highlights, successes and association activities over the past year.

AMTA’s annual early childhood online magazine, imagine, volume 2, issue 1 is now available.