Winter 2009 issue
ACADEMIC PROGRAM APPROVAL COMMITTEE
2008 National Conference Report
Sue Shuttleworth, EdD, FAMI, MT-BC
REVISIONS TO AMTA PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:
At the national conference, the Assembly of Delegates adopted proposed revisions to this document. Highlights of these revisions include:
- A. Music Foundations: Percussion Skills were given a separate heading and numbered as A.7. Following headings were then re-numbered.
- B. Clinical Foundations, 14. The Therapeutic Relationship (New Competency):
“14.5-Demonstrate awareness of one’s cultural heritage and socio-economic background and how these influence the perception of the therapeutic process.” - C. Music Therapy, 15. Foundations and Principles (New Competency):
“15.7-Demonstrate basic knowledge of the use of current technologies in music therapy assessment, treatment, and evaluation.” - C. Music Therapy, 18. Therapy Implementation (New Competency):
“18.2.11-Develop or rehabilitate the client’s motor skills.” - C. Music Therapy, 22. Professional Role/Ethics (New Competencies):
“22.9-Develop knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.”
“22.10-Treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender.”
“22.11-Demonstrate skill in working with culturally diverse populations.”
“22.13-Repond to legislative issues affecting music therapy.” - C. Music Therapy, 23. Interdisciplinary Collaboration (New Competency):
“23.2-Commuicate to other departments and staff the rationale for music therapy services and the role of the music therapist.” - C. Music Therapy, 25, Research Methods (Revisions):
“24.2-Determine if conclusions drawn in a study are supported by the results.” (Deleted)
“25.2- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the purpose and methodology (Deleted) of historical, quantitative, and qualitative research.”
Please see the AMTA website for the complete revisions.
The REVISED AMTA STANDARDS FOR MASTER’S DEGREES IN MUSIC THERAPY document was adopted by the Assembly of Delegates. Please see the AMTA website for this document.
The Assembly of Delegates also approved that previous motions adopted in 2007, in regard to discouraging a Minor in Music Therapy, be rescinded. As a result of consultation with NASM, it was recommended that language in regard to a Minor would be better suited within NASM documents rather than within AMTA documents. NASM approved the following statement to be included in the Appendix in the NASM Handbook:
“Introductory courses in music therapy are recommended for individuals preparing for careers in music, education, the behavioral and health sciences, and other related fields. However, a minor in music therapy is inappropriate because the curriculum content and time required cannot develop or provide for the professional competencies required for the preparation of music therapists. The use of a minor designation is misleading to members of the general public, including consumers and employers, who may construe the designation to imply the presence of professional qualifications. Such a possibility is a violation of NASM standards. NASM requirements for preparation leading to eligibility for certification as a music therapist are found in the NASM Handbook under Standards for Accreditation.”
NEW MASTER’S DEGREES APPROVED: SUNY-New Paltz received approval for a M.S. in Music Therapy and Nazareth College received approval for a M.S. in Creative Arts Therapy, Specialization in Music Therapy. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Other committee issues include continued work of Distance Learning policies and improving communications for educators to receive the site evaluations from National Roster Internships.