Winter 2009 issue (print view)
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ACADEMIC PROGRAM APPROVAL COMMITTEE article 01
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Delegates also approved that previous motions adopted in 2007, in regard to discouraging a Minor in Music Therapy, be rescinded.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.
ARCHIVIST REPORT article 02
Emily Plassman, Music Therapy Student
I am pleased to report on the progress I have made in the archives so far this school year. I finished filing three boxes of treasurer information, including budgets, conference data, and other documents, that I began organizing last year. In the Chronology series, two boxes were added. The Miscellaneous series saw the addition of three new boxes, including a box for national conference materials.
My main task this semester has been to reorganize the University Specific series, now consolidated in five boxes. Before, there were multiple copies of documents spread over three or four different folders and boxes of material without any real sense of order. The Duquesne University section, the largest, is now composed of four boxes. Information preserved includes history of the program, the curriculum, clinical sites, self-study reports, department newsletters, brochures, video tapes of important lectures and seminars given by guest speakers, department photographs, significant special events (such as the department’s twenty-fifth anniversary celebration), awards and plaques, and scrapbooks made by Duquesne’s Music Therapy Student Association. The fifth box in the University Specific series houses information relevant to all other schools in the region that have sent material to the archives: Immaculata University, Marywood University, Molloy College, Montclair State University, Nazareth College, New York University, Slippery Rock University, SUNY – Fredonia, and SUNY – New Paltz.
Lastly, I have also used my time to create an updated timeline of the history of the Mid-Atlantic Region and have created a set of guidelines for future student archivists to follow so the method of organization in the archives remains consistent with each new person in the position. I have also helped several people in locating documents in the archives for varying projects.
REPORT FROM THE ASSEMBLY CHAIR article 03
Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC
As you know, the AMTA Assembly of Delegates (AD) conducts its business at our annual national conference. The AD met three times during the conference in St. Louis this past November. This report offers a brief update on some of the work accomplished.
- As you may recall, at the first meeting of this Assembly at their meeting in Louisville in 2007, we neglected to identify a 4th alternate delegate to the AMTA Board of Directors. This was remedied in St. Louis through an election which resulted in Cathy McKinney being elected as the 4th alternate delegate. Cathy joins Tina Haynes, Judith Pinkerton, and Lillieth Grand as the other 3 alternate delegates.
- Business from the Academic Program Approval Committee (APAC):
Issue of Minor in Music Therapy: The Assembly rescinded motions passed at the 2007 annual meeting to add language to AMTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training to not allow Minors in Music Therapy. NASM has now added comparable language to its “Advisory Statement on Undergraduate Minors in Music” in the NASM Handbook.
- Business from the Education and Training Advisory Board (ETAB):
A. The Assembly rescinded the Policies and Procedures for Specialized Training Courses, leaving the application and review process for Specialty Courses to the providers and CBMT;
B. The Assembly approved the proposed Standards for Master’s Degrees in Music Therapy, with minor wording changes;
C. The Assembly approved the proposed definition of Advanced Practice in the Advisory on Levels of Practice in Music Therapy document, with minor wording changes.
More detailed descriptions of these items will be posted soon on the Assembly of Delegates link in the Member Area of the AMTA website. We encourage you to get in the habit of checking this, and the pages of various committees, for the most up-to-date and accurate information on Association business and documents.
As a reminder, the 2009 conference is planned for November 18-22, 2009, at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA! Don’t forget – mark your calendars now!
CBMT APPROVED PROVIDERS PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN OFFERING CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES TO MT-BCs article 04
Brian Abrams, Ph.D., MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
CBMT Continuing Education Committee Member
In order to fulfill its mission of promoting competent practice by MT-BCs, CBMT relies upon the commitment and expertise of its Approved Providers (APs). APs are specially qualified to offer continuing education experiences that help MT-BCs maintain, develop, or increase knowledge, skills, and professional abilities that are identified within CBMT’s Scope of Practice, and which are required for ongoing, competent practice.
In order to address the continuing education needs of MT-BCs, APs conduct Needs Assessment surveys. They ask MT-BCs to identify specific topics and areas of continuing education that would best support their ability to practice competently. Based upon 2007 survey data compiled by the APs and the CBMT Continuing Education Committee (CEC), the major topics and identified areas of need were as follows:
Music Therapy Populations Served
- Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Geriatrics (Including Alzheimer’s and other Dementias)
- Early Childhood
Music Theory and Skills
- Improvisation
- Percussion Techniques & Drumming
Professional Development
- Supervision
Documentation/Evaluation
- Formulating Goals & Objectives
- Assessment
Related Technologies
- Uses of Technology in the Practice of Music Therapy
The CEC has begun the process of actively seeking out current and potential APs who can offer continuing education opportunities in the above areas. If you are currently an AP, the CEC offers sincere thanks for your support. If you are not currently an AP, please consider becoming an AP. Becoming an AP affords you opportunities to contribute to the skill and knowledge development of MT-BCs, to foster collegiality and knowledge exchange among music therapists, and to develop a business.
The CEC is available to answer questions or to provide special assistance during the Approved Provider application process. A free mentorship program is offered, which provides potential APs with a mentor member of the CEC. This mentor will provide support and feedback throughout the approval process. Please contact the CBMT office at 1-800-765-2268, ext. 23 for information, or download an Approved Manual and One-Year Probationary Application from our website at www.cbmt.org.
CONFERENCE PLANNING REPORT article 05
Andrea Scheve, MM, NMT, NICU MT, HPMT, MT-BC MAR-AMTA
Vice President of Conference Planning
Conference is almost here! MAR-AMTA 2009 Conference, “Music Therapy: Rockin’ on the River” is in Richmond, VA from March 25-28th, 2009. Thank you to all who submitted proposals, CMTEs, and who are presenting in the Pre-Conference institute. Without your wisdom and willingness, we wouldn’t have a conference.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Richmond Omni Hotel in October, and WOW, was I impressed. I love the location, right in the heart of downtown Richmond. I walked down the cobble stone road in the historic area to find live entertainment in a nearby restaurant… that’s when I knew Richmond is the perfect city for MAR-AMTA 2009 Conference. The Omni was beautiful with excellent service, and not to mention, a shoe store right inside the hotel!
Some of the fun things to look forward to at conference: Entertainment! The Taters, Pennyshakers, and BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND… Live Band Karaoke!!! Three great groups to ‘get your groove on’ to! Also, don’t miss out on the Pre-Conference Institute on Technology and the Music Therapist, the variety and scope of CMTEs, fabulous concurrent session topics, and the research track for educational opportunities.
I want to say a special “Thank You!!!” to Felice Macera, our Webmaster, for getting our conference materials online and looking beautiful, I am so impressed! I’d also like to congratulate and thank Melissa Owens and Rachel Reynolds, the Local Co-Hosts, and their amazing Conference Committee on all of the hard work and planning they’ve done to make this conference a success. I’d also like to mention the diligent work of Tracy Souhrada, Continuing Education Coordinator, Karen Jasko, Regional Exhibits Coordinator, Michael Viega, Vice President of Conference Planning Elect, and Melissa King, Regional Conference Coordinator, thank you!
Plans are ‘in the works’ for the 2010 conference, so stay tuned-in for more information. Until then, I’ll see you Rockin’ on the River in Richmond, VA 2009!
MAR CONFERENCE –RESEARCH POSTER SESSION article 06
Call for Posters
Richmond, VA
March 24-28th, 2008
Tony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI
The MAR Research Committee is sponsoring a Research Poster Session on Saturday, March 28th as part of the regional conference.
This session will provide participants with an opportunity to display their research in exhibition format as well as briefly summarize the purpose, method, and findings of the research in presentation format (approx. 5 minutes) using PowerPoint slides. Only completed research will be considered for the poster session, although researchers who have gathered their data and are in the final stages of analysis are encouraged to discuss their research with Dr. Meadows to determine its suitability for poster submission.
Those interested in having their research considered for display during this session should submit 1 copy of a 200 word abstract, which includes the title and name of researcher(s). The deadline for submissions is February 10th, 2009.
Please email submissions to: Dr. Tony Meadows, MAR Research Committee: ameadows@immaculata.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tony at: 610 647 4400 x3159, or at the above email address.
MAR CONSTITUTION PROPOSED CHANGES 2009 article 07
Deborah Benkovitz, LSW, MSW,MT-BC
ARTICLE IV- Officers
Current:
Section 3. The officers elected by the Mid-Atlantic Region Association of Music Therapy Students, hereinafter referred to as MARAMTS shall be the Student Affairs Advisory Board Representative and the Student Representative. The officer elected by the Assembly Delegates and Alternates shall be the Assembly of Delegates Chair, and will serve as an ex-officio member without the right to vote.
Proposed:
Section 3. The officers elected by the Mid-Atlantic Region Association of Music Therapy Students, hereinafter referred to as MARAMTS shall be the Student Affairs Advisory Board Representative and the Student Representative. The officer elected by the Assembly Delegates and Alternates shall be the Assembly of Delegates Chair
, and will serve as an ex-officio member without the right to vote.
Rationale: The status of the Assembly of Delegates Chair is already specified in Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution.
Current:
Section 4. The appointed officers of the Region shall be the Secretary, Editor of the official regional publication, Historian and the Parliamentarian.
Proposed:
Section 4. The appointed officers of the Region shall be the Secretary, Editor of the official regional publication, and Historian.
and the Parliamentarian.
Rationale: In order to be in compliance with Delaware law, the number of Executive Board (EB) members must be reduced from 16 members to 15 members. The EB discussed the impact of removing one of several positions, including the Historian, the Parliamentarian and the Newsletter Editor. It was agreed that the Historian and Newsletter Editor lend important historical and current perspectives to the Board, and their removal would be detrimental to Board discussions. It was also noted that the Parliamentarian, whose role and knowledge is very important, may still be a part of every Board meeting, and may also be invited to attend by the President in the event of a closed Board meeting. The role of the Parliamentarian need not change with removal of the Parliamentarian position as an officer.
Article V –Executive Board
Current:
Section 1. There shall be an Executive Board consisting of eleven (11) voting members: President, President-Elect, Vice President for Conference Planning, Vice President-Elect for Conference Planning, Vice President for Membership, Immediate Past-President, Treasurer, Student Affairs Advisory Board Representative (elected by MARAMTS), Government Relations Chair, Public Relations Chair, and Student Representative (elected by MARAMTS). The Secretary, Editor of the official regional publication, Parliamentarian, Historian, and Assembly of Delegates Chair (elected by Assembly Delegates and Alternates) shall be ex-officio members without the right to vote.
Proposed:
Section 1. There shall be an Executive Board consisting of eleven (11) voting members: President, President-Elect, Vice President for Conference Planning, Vice President-Elect for Conference Planning, Vice President for Membership, Immediate Past-President, Treasurer, Student Affairs Advisory Board Representative (elected by MARAMTS), Government Relations Chair, Public Relations Chair, and Student Representative (elected by MARAMTS). The Secretary, Editor of the official regional publication, Parliamentarian, Historian, and Assembly of Delegates Chair (elected by Assembly Delegates and Alternates) shall be ex-officio members without the right to vote.
Rationale: Parliamentarian needs to be removed in order to be in compliance with Delaware law and the number of Executive Board members.
Article VI - National Assembly of Delegates
Current:
Section 1: Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Assembly of the American Music Therapy Association shall be elected by the Region. The number of Delegates is determined by directive of the National Executive Board. Their election and terms of office shall be specified in the Bylaws.
Proposed:
Section 1: Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Assembly of the American Music Therapy Association shall be elected by the Region. The number of Delegates is determined by directive of the AMTA Board of Directors
National Executive Board. Their election and terms of office shall be specified in the Bylaws.
Rationale: The National Executive Board is now called the AMTA Board of Directors. The rationale is consistency of language.
Article VIII- Regional Councils and Committees
Current:
Section 3. The Conference Committee shall be chaired by the Vice President for Conference Planning and shall include the Vice President-Elect for Conference Planning; the Conference Coordinator, the Exhibits Coordinator, the local co-hosts and the Continuing Music Therapy Education Coordinator.
Proposed:
Section 3. The Conference Council
Committeeshall be chaired by the Vice President for Conference Planning and shall include the Vice President-Elect for Conference Planning; the Conference Coordinator, the Exhibits Coordinator, the Local Host(s), the Continuing Music Therapy Education Coordinator and Registration Chair for Regional Conferences.
Rationale: First, deleting “committee” and using “council” for consistency throughout the document. Second, capitalizing “local” and “host” for consistency in the section. Third, using “Local Hosts(s)” rather than “local co-hosts” because there are times when there is only one host, and lastly, adding the new position of Registration Chair for the Regional Conference. The membership is being asked to consider adding a "Regional Registration Chair" to the Conference Council in order to streamline the conference registration process. As our conferences grow in size the demands placed on the local committee's registration have increased. The addition of this position would allow for continuity in the registration process, creation of a regional database, and improve the registration process for conference attendees.
GUIDELINES FOR NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS article 08
 Lee Morris, LCAT, MT-BC |
 Theresa McManus, LCAT, MT-BC |
As your friendly neighborhood newsletter editors, our goal is to fill these pages with all the regional news that’s fit to print. For that we need your help. Tell us what’s happening in your world of Music Therapy, so we can share it with the rest of the membership. Along with committee and board reports, features such as local meeting news, special events, unique programming, personal perspectives and reflections, etc. will be considered.
All contributors should follow the guidelines on this handy checklist:
- Use 11 point Times New Roman, if possible
- Limit formatting
- Check spelling of any names referenced
- Indicate your name as you would like it to appear in the byline, with credentials
- Include a small headshot of yourself, if desired
- Any photos that illustrate your piece must have releases
- Note submission deadline
- Email your article as a Word file attachment to editor@mar-amta.org
THANKS!
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT article 09
Carol Ann Blank, LCAT, LPC, MMT, MT-BC
With a new year comes a new Presidential Administration. I had never experienced such strong feelings of hope and optimism as I did on January 20th. There is such work to be done on the federal, state, and local level to bring the health care system into alignment with what research shows and patients experience as successful treatment. We don’t know what form the changes will take; this is both exciting and scary.
This is not the time to sit back in the comfort of our own homes, trusting in the wisdom of policy makers to do “the right thing”. It is most definitely time to become aware of your community’s local, state, and federal representatives and let them know, by email, US postal service, or phone, what your wishes, desires, and hopes are for our country going forward.
You can find your state representatives by typing the name of your state into Google (or any search engine), like this: New Jersey, legislature. Once you are at your state’s legislative home page, search for a link to find your representative. Most states have a link to email representatives to make life easy for their constituents.
Finding information about what is going on in that national front is very easy. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ to get contact information for your representative, follow the process of bills through the House and Senate, and learn about how the government works.
It is very much up to us to advocate for the changes that we want to see in this world, and for that we need to be informed.
THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEEDS YOU! article 10
Kathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
We need energetic and creative people to share their talents
in various capacities with the Mid-Atlantic Region!!!
Think about what kind of position you have the time for and let me know in what capacity you would want to serve. Simply send back this form or e-mail me the information. If you would like more information about a particular position, please contact me! Also indicate if you want to get involved now or in the future (1-2 years). I’ll keep your name on file for
future reference.
Choose any position(s) in which you might be interested:
BIG JOBS:
Elected Officers:
- President (6 year commitment)
- Vice President for Conference Planning (4 year commitment)
- Vice-President for Membership
- Government Relations Chair
- Public Relations Chair
- Treasurer
- Assembly Delegate
Appointed Officers:
- Newsletter Editor
- Assistant Editor
- Secretary
- Parliamentarian
- Historian
Appointed Positions:
- Archivist
- Continuing Education Coordinator
- Exhibits Coordinator
- Conference Coordinator
- Representatives to AMTA Standing Committees
- Task Force Chairs
MEDIUM JOBS:
- Task force members
- Members of Government Relations and Public Relations Committees
- Local Conference Chairs
- Committees Coordinator of Special Projects
SMALLER JOBS:
- CMTE Presenter
- one time jobs with an ending and deadline
- special projects
- column writers for the newsletter
Please send response to:
Kathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
150 E. Morris Ave
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 464-9422
Include your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
MEMBERSHIP REPORT article 11
Gene Ann Behrens, PhD, MT-BC
We continued to slowly increase our membership numbers from the second to the third quarter in 2008 with 934 members, a 6.99% increase. We also continued to increase our numbers from this time last year, 2007, a 4.59% increase. However, we still are behind the higher membership numbers from 2006, a 3.91% decrease. Student membership remains the highest category of increased membership, a 17.89% increase from last year; but that also is the category of membership within which we lost the highest numbers since 2006.
So what can all of you do to make a difference in our region in 2009? First, we need everyone who has not paid their 2009 dues to send them in as soon as possible. The earlier you get in your dues, the sooner our budget can benefit from your membership and the more we can do for our members. Second, I encourage all of you to reach out and make contact with other music therapists in our region. It will take everyone to reach out and bring all music therapists together in 2009. Encourage those who are not MAR members to join, as new exciting benefits that are accessible to all members are being developed at the national level. (See the last paragraph for a description of the new benefits). Let me know when professionals move into our region and when new professionals finish their internships. I really need your assistance! Third, given the new focus on volunteerism in our country, I encourage you to volunteer, using the MAR Needs You form (in this newsletter), to assist with small or large jobs in MAR.
The new professional and mentorship program continues to develop. We hope to recognize new professionals at the spring MAR conference, so look for a box to check on your conference registration form if you have become a new professional since our last conference. If you have at five or more years of experience, you can volunteer to be a mentor for a new professional. You can email me at behrenga@etown.edu if you are interested. Mentors are asked to make contact at least once every four months for at least a year; however, each group can discuss and decide to extend the level of contact.
And I am excited to tell you about two announcements from the national Membership Committee.
First, we are conducting a survey at the following link to investigate the needs and concerns of AMTA/MAR members: https://survey.uiowa.edu/wsb.d11/602/AMTAMembershipSurvey and of nonmembers.
Please use the appropriate link to provide our committee with information.
Second, there are three new benefits for members from AMTA.
One of the new benefits is AMTA.Pro, an on-line symposium that will allow any member to view podcasts of lectures that highlight experienced music therapists; your time spent in training can be potentially used towards your CMTE credits. The program is up and running and lists one symposia. A second benefit is the new AMTA Job Center with new resources. As a third benefit, AMTA has connected with Chuck Wild who will be donating his music to be available for music therapists to download and use with no copyright restrictions. These new benefits are available to all AMTA members.
NEW JERSEY TASK FORCE ON OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION article 12
Kathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
The NJSTF continues its advocacy efforts in New Jersey. We would like to thank AMTA, CBMT and MAR for their generous support in the renewal of Patrick Stewart’s contract for 2009. Patrick continues to monitor several bills that are important for our clients, as well as sets up meetings with key legislators and administrators so that we can meet our goal of attaining official state recognition of music therapy here in the Garden State.
MUSIC THERAPY DAY
Music Therapy Day was held on December 15th at the State House in Trenton. Thanks to all who made the day such a huge success. Senator Richard J. Codey personally thanked the NJ music therapists for their service and presented the joint Senate/Assembly Resolution naming December 15, 2008 Music Therapy Day. This year we had a record number of legislators attend (16) and discuss music therapy. Follow-up meetings are being scheduled with those legislators in attendance to provide further information. NJAMT also awarded the Aaron Copeland Partnership Award to Robyn Wramage-Caporoso, OTL/R, NCC, Director of Psychiatric Services at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.
UPDATE ON STATE RECOGNITION
We are continuing to make steady progress in our efforts to gain official state recognition of music therapy. Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez offered to facilitate a meeting with us and the new director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Assemblyman Vincent Prieto is also working on helping us in our recognition efforts. At this time, an official decision as to what type of recognition would best protect the public from unqualified music therapy practitioners has not been made. The advice we have received from the Governor’s office and several departments is that we need to be licensed in order to be qualified to work in the schools, early intervention settings and programs within the Division of Child and Behavioral Health Services. The task force will seek input from music therapists in living and working in NJ before any official action will be taken.
DIVISION OF CHILD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES (DCBHS)
This past spring, the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services proposed rules that would require music therapists to hold a license issued by the Board of Marriage and Family Therapists in order to provide services to children, youth and young adults who receive in-community mental health rehabilitative services. No announcement has been made about any further action taken by the Division. Once the new rules have been released and we are able to review the changes, we will meet with officials from DCBHS to discuss how children and youth enrolled in the intensive community services program can best access music therapy services if deemed appropriate. We have asked Janellen Duffy from the Governor’s office to contact the Division on our behalf for a status update.
RULE ADOPTION IN EARLY INTERVENTION
New rules were adopted for early intervention services in NJ. These rules allow music therapy to be added to the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) if deemed necessary. However, music therapists are not considered to be qualified to provide these services. Judy Simpson, AMTA Director of Government Relations, and Dena Register, CBMT Regulatory Affairs Advisor wrote a joint letter to the department asking for reconsideration, as the reasons given for not qualifying music therapists as providers seem to indicate a misinterpretation of our education and training standards as well as our national (MT-BC) credential. There has not been a response to Judy and Dena’s letter. Patrick Stewart will be following up on this issue.
UPDATE ON COUNSELING EXPANSION ACT
We are continuing to monitor A-2113, the bill sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora. This bill would make art therapy, dance/movement therapy and drama therapy sub-specialties of counseling. To date there has not been any movement on this bill. Our colleagues in art, dance/movement and drama therapy are in the process of forming a coalition for the purposes of retaining a lobbyist. We will keep NJ music therapists informed of any movement of this bill or change in either language or status.
As always please contact the task force at njtaskforce@yahoo.com if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the work of the NJ Task Force.
NEW YORK STATE TASK FORCE ON OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION (NYSTF)
and NEW YORK STATE GROUP OF EIGHT (G8) article 13
Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair
Information current as of 1/18/09
The voting members of the NYSTF, appointed by the MAR Executive Board, are: Mary E. Boyle, EdD, LCAT, MT-BC; Beth R. McLaughlin, MS, LCAT, MT-BC; Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair; Evelyn C. Selesky, MA, LCAT, MT-BC; Madelaine Ventre, MS, FAMI, LCAT, MT-BC. Ex-officio members, without the right to vote, are: Carol Ann Blank, MMT, MT-BC, MAR Government Relations Chair; Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC, AMTA Director of Government Relations; Brian Abrams, PhD, MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI, MAR President.
The voting members of the G8, with 2 representatives each from AMTA, CBMT, MAR and NYSTF are:
AMTA: Paul Nolan, MCAT, MT-BC, LPC; Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC
CBMT: Nancy Hadsell, PhD, MT-BC; Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC
MAR: Mary E. Boyle, EdD, LCAT, MT-BC; Carol Ann Blank, MMT, MT-BC
NYSTF: Beth R. McLaughlin, MS, LCAT, MT-BC; Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair.
AMTA Conference in St. Louis
The NYSTF presented a concurrent session at the AMTA annual conference in St. Louis last November, with up-to-the-minute information on the status of the licensure law. Attendees ranged from undergraduate students to university program directors to new and seasoned practitioners.
12/11/08 NYS Mental Health Practitioners Board Meeting
Beth McLaughlin, NYSTF member, and Donna Polen, NYSTF Chair, attended the December 11th open meeting of the New York State Mental Health Practitioners Board (MHPB). The meeting was very encouraging, and the State Education Department (SED), the Office of the Professions (OP), the Legislature, and the Governor are all acutely aware of the “unintended consequences” that have arisen following implementation of the licensure law. While the “intended consequences” were to protect consumers, the “unintended consequences” are that people are being prohibited from practicing, resulting in the “unintended consequence” that consumers are not receiving services. David Hamilton, Executive Secretary of the MHPB, as well as staff members from various divisions of the Department, indicated that follow-up legislation would be crafted and presented to the NYS legislature. We are very optimistic about this turn of events. The following is a brief summary of main topics discussed at the meeting.
Processing Applications:
The OP will be implementing an online application process, which will reduce the time necessary for an application to be processed as well as reduce the incidence of incomplete forms.
Settings/Corporate Practice
As indicated in law, certain settings are currently considered exempt. Specifically, the law states:
“Nothing in this act shall prohibit or limit the activities or services on the part of any person in the employ of a program or service operated, regulated, funded, or approved by the department of mental hygiene or the office of children and family services, or a local government unit as that term is defined in article 41 of the mental hygiene law or a social services district as defined in section 61 of the social services law, provided, however, this section shall not authorize the use of any title authorized pursuant to article 153 or 163 of the education law, except as otherwise provided by such articles, except that this section shall be deemed repealed on January 1, 2010.”
In NYS, this refers to entities that hold an operating certificate from a State agency (e.g., Office of Mental Health {OMH}, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services {OASAS}, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities {OMRDD}, Office of Children and Family Services {OCFS}) or local government (e.g., county social services). However, there have been incidents of other settings that have presumed they were also exempt and could employ licensed professionals, which is inaccurate based on corporate practice law.
In addition, there have also been incidents of practitioners having their hours for supervised experience denied based on the employment status and activities of the supervisor. The OP can’t approve Limited Permits, or accept the experience, from someone working in “an illegal setting,” defined as a setting not authorized to hire a licensed professional such as a corporate practice or a not-for-profit agency. The example offered to help illustrate the distinction of an “authorized setting” vs. a “corporate practice” is the common situation of having a pharmacy operating within the physical confines of a supermarket. The pharmacy employees who dispense medication are licensed professionals; the cashiers employed by the supermarket are not. The pharmacy operates as its own authorized setting, with separate hours and often with folding walls that secure the area from the rest of the supermarket during hours that the pharmacy is not in operation. The supermarket itself is not an authorized setting for the licensed practice of pharmacy.
This is a complicated and confusing area, but there was discussion that the law must be fixed and that precedent exists in similar legislation regarding special education settings. Doug Lentivech, from the Office of Professional Responsibility, spoke about the possibility of establishing a registration process for those entities that have presumed exemption so that they can come forward, describe what they do and apply for authorization without being held to the current corporate practice law.
Supervised Experience
The SED Office of Counsel is discussing ways of accepting experience that does not currently comply with the letter of the law. For example, they are considering the possibility of creating another grandparenting period or waiving the examination component.
Exempt Settings
Board members expressed concern regarding the 1/1/2010 sunset provision for certain programs. MHP Board member Bryan Hunter made a motion that was unanimously approved by the Board, which roughly states:
‘The State Board of Mental Health Practitioners supports an extension of the 2010 exemption contingent upon the development by exempt agencies of a plan to comply with the law.’
Processing and Portability (Endorsement)
The OP has been exploring how other states track various details of state licensing, such as exempt settings, authorized settings, etc. Some states use disclosure forms, and have forms for tracking hours and pre-approving supervisors. A staff member stated that it would be important at this time to encourage people to get a limited permit just to be safe, in case their setting is not acceptable.
In the interest of increasing portability, there is discussion that the Board of Regents may endorse an applicant who has met the licensing requirements in another state. Language for such a process already exists in section 59.6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations:
§59.6 License by endorsement.
An applicant for endorsement of a license issued by another jurisdiction shall establish that the applicant:
a. meets all requirements of section 6506 (6) of the Education Law;
b. has had satisfactory professional experience of at least two years following initial licensure, unless a different period is provided in the regulations pertaining to a particular profession; and
c. has not attempted unsuccessfully a licensing examination used by the State of New York either prior to or after making application for licensure by endorsement, unless such applicant has later passed a comparable licensing examination.
Upcoming MAR Conference in Richmond
The NYSTF will be providing a follow-up to our 2007 Ocean City panel presentation with representatives from the New York State schools offering MT programs, this time with the programs operational and highlighting the uniqueness and diversity within and between them. In addition, we will be available with up-to-date information and answers to your questions at the New York State meeting, typically held on Saturday mornings at our conferences.
Please continue to contact us at nystf@aol.com with your questions, comments, or concerns.
We Mourn the Passing … article 14
The love of music was apparent early in the life of music therapy luminary Carol Hampton Bitcon (1936-2009). In addition to playing piano and upright bass, she studied voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Carol went on to the University of the Pacific, graduating with a Bachelor's in Music. She later earned a Master's in Education from Chapman University. While at UOP, Carol met fellow student John Cameron Bitcon; they married in 1959 and had a playful, romantic union until John's death in 1996. Carol was a pioneer in the field of Music Therapy. She worked at Fairview Developmental Center for the Learning Disabled in Costa Mesa, California, as a Registered Music Therapist and program director for Adolescent Social Development. In 1968, she became interested in Orff-Schulwerk, based Carl Orff's philosophy that children should develop a "musical language" of rhythms and sounds as a means of self-expression. She served as President of the National Association for Music Therapy and authored "Alike and Different: The Clinical and Educational Uses of Orff-Schulwerk". During her career she taught throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Carol was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1986. She "made lemonade" and continued to work and play. She retired in 1996 following John's death and moved to Seattle to be closer to her family. In 1997 Carol survived a severe E. coli infection. Despite being thereafter reliant on a wheelchair, she maintained an incredibly positive attitude. Music, art classes and time with her grandchildren brought her joy. After a brief illness, Carol died on January 9th while listening to Carmina Burana.
Information excerpted from the Seattle Times at
http://www.legacy.com/SeattleTimes/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=122964085
PENNSYLVANIA STATE TASK FORCE ON OCCUPATIONAL REGULATIONS (PASTF) article 15
Valerie F. Uschock, LCAT, MT-BC, NMT
Voting members: Dena Condron, MMT, MT-BC, LPC; Maria Hricko Fay, MT-BC, LSW, FAMI, LCAT; Jerry O’Leary, MA, MT-BC; Valerie Uschock, LCAT, MT-BC, NMT (Chair); Melanie Walborn, MT-BC; Betsy Zimmerman, PhD, MT-BC.
Non-voting ex-officio members: Brian Abrams, PhD, MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI (MAR President); Carol Ann Blank, MMT, MT-BC, (MAR Government Relations Chair); Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC (AMTA Director of Government Relations); Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC (CBMT Regulatory Affairs Advisor).
Happy 2009 to all of you! As the new year and a new era in government begins, the task force continues to work on behalf of PA music therapists on a number of issues including licensing, advocacy, and research.
- Fact Sheet Now Available: PASTF has worked diligently in putting together a fact sheet in order to assist Music Therapists who are LPCs in submitting CMTEs for their license renewals. You will find informational statements along with links to the regulations and forms. The fact sheet was initially sent via email to PA Music Therapists, but is now available on the MAR website (www.mar-amta.org). The fact sheet can be found both on the home page announcements section and on the Pennsylvania section. The fact sheet will remain on the website and will be updated as needed. Many thanks to webmaster Felice Macera for uploading the information so quickly.
- Renewal Applications: Applications ($75.00 fee and due on February 15th, 2009) can be found at: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/lib/bpoa/20/socwkbd/renewal_app.pdf
- PA Board Decision: In October of 2008 the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, the Board determined that CBMT can only approve a course or program. CBMT must provide the licensee with a certification of completion that indicates that the course/program was approved and/or sponsored by CBMT. Any other requests for continuing education (published articles, etc...) would need to be approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. An individual may request individual PA Board approval by completing the application for approval and submitting all requested documentation.
The application for approval ($45.00 fee) can be found at:
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/lib/bpoa/20/socwkbd/continuing_ed_application_08-04.pdf
- Acceptable forms of continuing education: As stated above, the PA Board will accept courses or programs pre-approved by CBMT in which a certificate of completion is issued. Other acceptable sources of continuing education as defined by section 49.37 of the regulations are as follows:
a) Clock hours may be granted on a case-by-case basis for the following:
(1) Participation in clinical conferences, clinical rounds or training under a preceptor provided through hospitals, medical centers, schools and universities.
(2) First-time experience as a teacher.
(3) Publications of articles, books and research relating to the practice of professional counseling.
(4) Services as a preceptor, lecturer or speaker.
(b) A licensee who wishes to obtain clock hours for credit under subsection (a)(1), (2) or (4) shall submit, prior to participating in the event, an application for approval along with a fee of $45 as provided by § 49.34(a) (relating to registration of continuing education providers who offer one course or program). A licensee seeking to obtain clock hours for a publication under subsection (a)(3), shall submit, after the publication of the article, book or research, an application for approval along with a fee of $45 as provided by § 49.34(a).
Some of you have been taking advantage of the information and have been writing to us with your questions and concerns. We really appreciate the questions as it prompts us to dig deeper for answers and it helps us in getting the most accurate information to all of you. Please continue to contact us with your questions (and answers too).
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
1. Service Definitions for Person/Family Based Waiver: The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has been relatively quiet on this issue since notifying us that Music Therapy is not listed in the revised service definitions. The final service definitions are scheduled for June of 2009. PASTF members are currently writing letters to legislators in an effort to gain support of Music Therapy's inclusion in the service definitions.
2. Update on Autism Insurance Act 62 of 2008 (HB 1150): Act 62 recently was signed into law on July 9, 2008 and mandates that large group insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism and autism spectrum disorders for persons under the age of 21. The Act takes effect July 1, 2009. The PA Department of Public Welfare, (DPW), PA Insurance Department and PA Department of State are working closely together to implement the new law and communicate with families and other stakeholders. The DPW has launched a website about the new Autism Insurance Law. The website is called www.PAAutismInsurance.org and is now available for viewing. PASTF is reviewing the bill's definition of an "Autism Service Provider" and the possible opportunities for Music Therapy.
3. Adult Autism Waiver: PASTF is researching this new waiver and the possibilities for Music Therapy. On May 14, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) approved Pennsylvania's request to use federal Medicaid funds to establish a program that provides home and community based services for adults with autism. This program is known as the Autism Waiver and is the first such program for adults in the nation to receive federal approval. The $20 million-a-year waiver program will serve up to 200 individuals initially. Waiver slots will be divided by regions with persons who are not receiving state or federally funded “long term care” services (including other waivers) having top priority. Waiver eligibility is limited to people who:
- Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder; Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified; Rett Disorder as determined by a licensed psychologist or physician.
- Are 21 years old or older.
- Have significant functional limitations
- Meet income requirements. Parent's income and assets do not count.
4. Aging Waiver Renewed: The Pennsylvania Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) announced at the December Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting that its request to renew the state’s Aging waiver (also known as the PDA waiver) has finally been approved by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The previous PDA waiver had been set to expire on June 30, 2008 but was extended several times by CMS while the state worked to address issues raised by the federal government during the waiver renewal process. Approval of the waiver application was subject to the state’s completion of a detailed work plan that was negotiated with CMS. One of the issues raised by CMS during the approval process related to the state’s administrative oversight of waiver operations. As a result, the OLTL will be issuing a series of revised policies in early 2009 to clarify its role in administrative authority. The Aging Waiver renewal application and an abridged version of the state’s work plan are available on the OLTL website at www.dpw.state.pa.us/About/OLTL. In the past Music Therapy has been an eligible service under the Counseling component of the waiver. PASTF will be researching the renewed waiver in more detail in regards to Music Therapy.
As always, we need all PA Music Therapists to participate in the ongoing advocacy efforts. You can all help by keeping a watchful eye and sharing information as it happens. We do our best work when we are proactive. All questions, concerns, news on PA health legislation, etc. should be sent to the Task Force at: pastate.task.force@gmail.com
Best to all of you!
PAST PRESIDENT’S REPORT article 16
Kathy Murphy, Ph.D., MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
Greetings from South Jersey! In this, my final report as Past President, I would like to thank you, the MAR Membership, for the honor and privilege of serving our association as President-Elect, President, and finally Past President. I am grateful for the support I received during my tenure from the members of the Executive Board and the membership. Thank you MAR!
The final responsibility of the Past President is to chair the nominating committee. I would like to thank Mark Ahola, Debbie Benkovitz, Joanne Loewy, and Gary Verhagen for their willingness to serve on this important committee. We will be working to present a full slate of nominees for the elected positions on the MAR Board (2009-2010). Positions that need to be filled include, President-Elect, Vice President for Conference Planning, Vice President-Elect for Conference Planning, Vice President for Membership, Treasurer, Public Relations Chair, Government Relations Chair, and Assembly Delegates and Alternates (38 total). Now is the time to become more involved in your professional association! If you are interested in being nominated, or would like to recommend a colleague for nomination, please contact me at: kmurphymtbc@gmail.com. MAR is a dynamic and progressive organization; you can help to lead us forward as we strive to increase access to quality music therapy services throughout the region!
PRESIDENT’S REPORT article 17
Brian Abrams, Ph.D., MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
Greetings, MAR Members!
I am deeply encouraged that our profession has remained so active and vibrant even in the midst of such challenging times. While some of us have most certainly experienced the effects of the economic downturn first-hand, music therapy services have remained widely available to our regional public, new services have become available, and the field has continued to advance.
The MAR Conference Council has continued its hard work on completing the plans for our next regional conference, to be held from March 24-28, 2009, at the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. We are grateful for their ongoing efforts. We also thank the newly-formed Conference Planning Committee for its diligent research designed to help ensure success in the MAR’s future conference endeavors. Work on the 2010 MAR Conference is well underway, beginning with the identification of willing local hosts and suitable conference sites.
The MAR and Executive Board met November 20-21, 2008 at the AMTA national conference in St. Louis, MO. Please refer to the reports of our Board officers in this issue for details of the Board's work in specific areas. During the meeting, the Board was honored by a visit from Lucy and Tom Ott (benefactors of the Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Fund, David’s Fund, and other programs supporting the field of music therapy both regionally and nationally). The Otts were in attendance at the AMTA conference, and took some time to sit in on our meeting—we thank them for their magnanimity.
As always, I ask that you continue reading important updates from our active Task Forces on Occupational Regulations. You may visit the MAR website, for the MAR Constitution and Bylaws, a list of our regional leadership, regional conference information, job announcements, and other pertinent information. Again, I encourage you to sign up for the MAR Listserv (if you haven’t done so already), as it is one of the most effective venues for communication among our members on time-sensitive issues and other matters of interest.
As I have mentioned frequently, it is of great importance that we both retain current members, while continuing to expand our overall membership. Regional membership provides us with a voice within our National Association (through the number of Assembly Delegates we are allotted), as well as within the regional public. Membership is also the primary determinant of our ability to access the vital resources we need to serve both our regional members and the public. I would therefore like to reiterate (one more time as President!) my appeal for all current members to encourage other music therapy professionals and students who are not currently AMTA members, to join and/or renew membership with AMTA (and hence with MAR). As always, benefits specific to regional membership include reduced regional conference rates, access to free copies of educational and public relations materials, use of the regional display for presentations, and regional funding for research and other special projects. Again, the Membership Support Fund remains available to provide financial assistance to MAR members in paying their AMTA dues. Applications may be requested from Dr. Gene Ann Behrens (behrenga@etown.edu) or obtained from our website.
As you are aware, I will be completing my term as MAR President in March, 2009. As such, this will be my final report to you as President in Tuning in to Rx Music. I have sincerely enjoyed reporting the many productive, progressive dimensions of our work within this exceptionally vibrant and diverse region. Our membership has demonstrated strength, integrity, and determination time and again, in the interest of promoting our profession. We have responded resiliently to the many, rapidly shifting challenges and circumstances surrounding our work of providing quality music therapy services within our region, while educating our public and one another about the music therapy field. Moreover, MAR members have demonstrated unconditional support for fellow members through whatever crises, traumas, and other personal losses they have encountered. Ours is a community and culture of responsiveness, care, and collaboration. I am genuinely encouraged by what I have witnessed and experienced, both as a member and as an officer of the Board.
I am grateful for the honor and privilege of serving the Mid-Atlantic Region, and I am moved by the trust you have placed in me in my role as President. I am thankful to my fellow Board members for their ongoing wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment to working together in the service of our members. I look forward to my ongoing service with the Board in the capacity of Immediate Past-President.
A wonderful winter and a joyful and healthful 2009 to all!
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT article 18
Debbie Benkovitz, LSW, MT-BC
Happy New Year! I enjoyed seeing many of you at the AMTA conference in St. Louis, and look forward to seeing even more of you at the MAR conference. I had the opportunity to sit in many meetings while in St. Louis, learning more about our organization and the dedicated people who serve and contribute in numerous ways. Even though I sometimes sound like a broken record, I continue to be amazed by the dedication of our members to the MAR and AMTA, and I am thankful to be surrounded by so many good people.
Among the many people to whom I am grateful are the Constitution and Bylaws committee members, Kathy Murphy, Brian Abrams, Barb Maclean, Sue Shuttleworth, Eleanor Dennis and Carole Thomas. They get out their fine-toothed combs and go over the Constitution and Bylaws again and again, refining the document and keeping it current. We had quite a discussion this past year regarding which Executive Board member we would remove as an officer in order to be in compliance with Delaware state law. Please take a moment to check out the proposed changes to the Constitution in this issue. If you have any questions, additions or suggestions after reading them, feel free to contact me. The proposed Bylaws changes will be posted on the MAR website at a later time. The website is attractive and engaging thanks to webmaster Felice Macera, and it is a pleasure to check out any time.
Winter can be a challenge for me. The long hours of darkness and cold temperatures gnaw at me sometimes. But I warm up immediately when I think about gathering with the music therapy community of the Mid-Atlantic in Richmond, Virginia in a couple of months! I hope that 2009 is a year of prosperity and peace for you. Happy New Year, and I’ll see you soon!
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT article 19
Susan Hadley, PhD, MT-BC
Since the new PR webpage has been constructed, I am thrilled to say that several members have utilized the on-line request form. This new method has been a great improvement and is working very well. One minor problem that has occurred is that when members have filled out the form they have missed filling in the section that indicates the date by which they need the materials. Please make sure that you do this so that the person fulfilling the request has a time frame for getting the materials to you. If you have not yet checked out the PR webpage, please do so. It is beautifully put together and I have had many positive comments about the layout that Felice Macera created. Thanks again to Felice.
Thank you to all those members who continually request brochures, article reprints, and displays in order to raise public awareness of music therapy in our region. As I have stated before, raising community awareness about music therapy is such an important role for us to take on as it stimulates families and professionals to seek out the services of music therapists. Please, take time to visit the site (http://www.mar-amta.org/pr/) and see photos and descriptions of the materials that we have available free to MAR-AMTA members.
I am coming to the end of my two year term as Public Relations Chair. Elections for this position will be coming up at the regional conference. If anyone is interested in filling this position please contact Kathy Murphy at kmurphymtbc@hotmail.com. The Public Relations Chair coordinates regional public relations efforts, serves as the regional representative to the Employment and Public Relations Committee of AMTA, attends regional executive board meetings, houses and coordinates the use, distribution, and maintenance of the regional displays, pamphlets, videos and other available public relations materials, oversees the regional public relations committee, organizes and maintains the job placement hotline, and submits an annual written report at the regional conference. In the immediate future it is important that the PR chair coordinate the development of a new PowerPoint presentation that can be used in public relations presentations in order to promote music therapy in our region, to conduct a new demographic survey, and to develop a second PowerPoint presentation that highlights the depth and breadth of music therapy and its community outreach as practiced in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This second presentation could be used as an alternative to the regional display at the MAR-AMTA booth at the national conference. This would be an ideal way of illustrating the uniqueness of the work that is done in our region.
Finally, if you have any great ideas that would benefit us in our public relations efforts, please let me know. Also, if you would like to serve the region by being part of the public relations committee, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at susan.hadley@sru.edu.
RESEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT article 20
Tony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI
Preparations continue for the forthcoming conference in Richmond. This year we continue our focus on evidence-based practice principles as they relate to music therapy clinical practice. As such, we are emphasizing the relationship between research and practice, particularly translating and applying quantitative research. Making your practice evidence-based – Interpreting & Applying Outcome Research to your Clinical Work is being presented by Michael RohrbacherandGene Behrens. Joke Bradtis presenting on Designing Experimental Trials according to Evidence-Based Practice Standards and a round table session addresses Current Issues and Experiences Relating Evidence-based Practice to Clinical Practice. We continue our overview session focusing on Current Issues in Music Therapy Research, this year presented by Kathy Murphy.
Last year we introduced a new format for the Poster Session, wherein each poster presenter gave a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation summarizing his/her research. With over 100 people present, this was very well received and we will continue this format. Music therapists currently completing research, especially students, are welcome to submit a poster session proposal to Tony Meadows (ameadows@immaculata.edu) by February 12th.
We have had two changes to the committee over the previous summer. On behalf of the all the committee members, I would like to thank Joke Bradt for her energy and dedication to the committee. In her years of service Joke brought an important perspective to our vision for the committee, especially in her understanding of quantitative research and evidence-based practice. We wish her well in her new endeavors. I am very grateful that Andi McGraw Hunt, MMT, MT-BC has accepted my invitation to join the Research Committee. Andi is a doctoral student at Temple University who most recently worked clinically with adult dual-diagnosed psychiatric and addictions populations, and currently maintains a small GIM practice as an advanced level GIM trainee. Her research interests thus far have been primarily quantitative in nature, investigating the rhythmic presentation of clinical populations and psychological phenomena. She is also a past and current research assistant for Temple's Arts and Quality of Life Research Center, executing a research study with clinical staff and also assisting with the Center's Cochrane reviews. We warmly welcome her.
FROM THE STUDENT AFFAIRS ADVISOR article 21
Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
Passages 2008 was another great success! Thank you, Immaculata University, for hosting this event and generously offering to cover all refreshments expenses! Thank you, Melissa Cook and Kevin Hahn, for your excellent job as Passages coordinators. Thank you to the local committee and Drs. Anthony Meadows and Lilian Eyre for your help with all the logistics. I would like to strongly encourage all presenters to continue to present and submit proposals for our regional as well as for the National conference. The MAR conference committee always greatly appreciates presentations from students and new professionals; you bring new, innovative ideas and new energy to our region. Please, don’t be afraid to submit a presentation proposal. You can ask your advisor or supervisor for help/feedback. Next year’s Passages will be at Nazareth College! Evangeline Williams (MSU alum, new professional) and Noah Potvin (Temple University grad student) will be the new Passages Coordinators. A call for papers will be distributed in March.
The MARAMTS EB and I are looking forward to seeing you at the spring conference – they will have beautiful music therapy decals available as their fundraiser. Make sure to support them! Their fundraising supports many student scholarships each year.
If you have any questions related to MARAMTS, please contact me at jbradt@temple.edu
TREASURER’S REPORT article 22
Elaine A. Abbott, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LCAT
Our 2008-09 Operating Budget checking account currently has a balance of $30,570.78. We will deposit $10,000 of this into our Vanguard account at the end of the fiscal year. These funds represent one third of our liability reserve.
As of December 31, 2008, our Vanguard Money Market account had a balance of $16, 995.22. This reflects an increase of $458.63 over the year 2008. Many thanks to the officers involved in creating this safe fund for MAR. While many investors lost significant amounts in the market over these last months, our conservative investments continued to grow.
The Finance Committee is pleased to report that online registration is financially feasible and responsible. Many thanks to our webmaster, Felice Macera, whose expertise is supporting our entrance into this technology via PayPal and the beautiful new MAR-AMTA website.
As always, I have much gratitude for the support and hard work of the committee. It includes: Brian Abrams, Kathy Murphy, Gary Verhagen, Nancy Vees, and Mike Viega.