Snohomish County Music Project & AMTA Increase Music Therapy Services

Snohomish County Music Project and the American Music Therapy Association Partner to Increase Music Therapy Services

SILVER SPRING, MD – January 7, 2015 – The Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project, a project of the American Music Therapy Association, is pleased to announce the awarding of a $40,000 grant to the Snohomish County Music Project to increase music therapy services for vulnerable populations. 

About the Snohomish County Music Project (SCMP)

The purpose of the SCMP’s music therapy initiative is to improve the quality of life for some of Snohomish County’s underserved populations through the provision of evidence-based music therapy services delivered by board certified music therapists. Through collaborative programming, the SCMP is able to provide music therapy services to youth that are adjudicated, incarcerated, homeless, or otherwise at-risk; elderly individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and/or Alzheimer’s disease/dementia; and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or other disabilities. Each of these groups face a unique barrier to leading an emotionally healthy and fulfilling life. The SCMP’s music therapy programs provide a unique intervention that allows participants an opportunity to reestablish expression, communication, and connection.

Snohomish County Executive, John Lovick, says "We are so grateful to the Snohomish County Music Project and to The Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project  for supporting the provision of innovative music therapy services to some of our community's most vulnerable populations."

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 community-based settings for many years and the music therapist is a vital member of treatment teams that help individuals cope and achieve optimal functioning.

The Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project is a project that evolved from a generous donation made by local benefactors to the American Music Therapy Association in the 4th quarter of 2010.  The American Music Therapy Association 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 and music therapy service expansion grants for music therapists, provided student practicum support at Seattle Pacific University, and supported the expansion of music therapy services at Seattle Children’s Hospital.  

About the American Music Therapy Association

Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is a nonprofit professional organization representing music therapists.  AMTA’s purpose is the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings.  Predecessors, unified in 1998, included the National Association for Music Therapy founded in 1950 and the American Association for Music Therapy founded in 1971.  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.

For more information contact:

Barbara A. Else
Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project National Coordinator
American Music Therapy Association
else@musictherapy.org
520-245-7717

Patti Catalano

Media Contact Wilson Trust Music Therapy Project
Regional Project Manager
American Music Therapy Association
catalano@musictherapy.org
425-444-6893

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