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The More Music, the Better

Congratulations to the producers of "Alive Inside," a new documentary that shows the power of music with older adults. Though the documentary does not focus on clinical music therapy, the American Music Therapy Association believes that the more music for older adults, the better! The music therapy literature has documented the power of this amazing medium for over a half-century. Alicia Clair, PhD, MT-BC, Professor of Music Therapy at the University of Kansas offers some insights into our profession's long history using music to enhance quality of life for elders and their families.

For more information: Research in Music Therapy, Music Therapy with Older Adults Fact Sheet, Therapeutic Uses of Music with Older Adults, Music Therapy and Geriatric Populations, Group Rhythm and Drumming with Older Adults

What is Music Therapy?

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 interventions can be designed to:

• Promote Wellness
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Express Feelings
• Enhance Memory
• Improve Communication
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. For further information, please explore the rest of this site including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Music Therapy Featured on PBS Newshour

The February 27^th edition of the PBS Newshour broadcast included a story on music therapy titled "The Healing Power of Music."  Music Therapy programs in Northern California and historical footage from AMTA were featured.

Watch The Healing Power of Music on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

What is AMTA's Mission?

The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and to increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.

2012 Annual Conference

AMTA's 2012 conference will be held in OCTOBER in St. Charles, Illinois (just outside of Chicago).  Visit the Events>Annual Conference tab to learn more.

Sparking Memories Musically

NBC recently produced a piece about music therapy for their program, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.  Though the piece did not air during the regularly scheduled showtime, it was published on the MSNBC website. The story features the work of AMTA member Jodi Levine with elderly patients at the Avery Heights Health Care Center in Hartford, Connecticut. NBC worked with many other therapists including Kat Fulton, Cathy Knoll and Ronna Kaplan.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy