Advocating for the Profession of Music Therapy: A Community Commitment
Advocating for the Profession of Music Therapy: A Community Commitment
The month of March is designated as Music Therapy Awareness Month. To kick this off, our profession celebrates World Music Therapy Day on March 1st. This seemed an opportune time to reflect on the significance of advocating for our profession. At Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services, we’ve proudly served the Jackson, MI community for over 18 years. We are the sole clinic provider of music therapy, with a dedicated team of seven board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in music therapy.
The Essence of the Profession of Music Therapy
Music therapy is more than just the therapeutic use of music; it’s a clinical and evidence-based practice conducted by credentialed professionals trained to address individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Our interventions are designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and facilitate physical rehabilitation, among other objectives.
Visit the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) website for more on what music therapy is.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy is crucial to ensure that the unique benefits of music therapy by board-certified professionals are recognized and accessible. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) emphasizes that advocacy efforts aim to increase access to services, secure funding, educate legislators, and elevate the profession’s status.
Visit the AMTA website for more Advocacy Basics.
In our own community, we’ve observed instances where the term “music therapy” is used to describe programs that, while beneficial, do not involve board-certified music therapists. For example, the “Healing Through Music” program with the local community symphony offers valuable musical experiences but does not constitute clinical music therapy. Similarly, an article from a local retirement facility initially mentioned “music therapy” but was later corrected to accurately reflect the music enrichment services provided.
The Distinction of Board-Certified Music Therapists
Board-certified music therapists bring specialized training and expertise to their practice. Our team at Harmony Garden is skilled in using music to address non-musical goals, including social-emotional support, behavioral interventions, speech and language development, motor planning, and mental health support. While we acknowledge that music can be powerful as a medium for healing and wellness across various settings, it’s essential to recognize the distinct role of board-certified music therapists in facilitating therapeutic change in clinical settings.
Music in the Jackson Community: Strength in Collaboration
Jackson is home to an incredible range of musicians, music educators, and music programs that enrich our community in countless ways. From local music lessons and school music educators to professional musicians, bedside music volunteers, and music-centered outreach programs. We see the power of music woven into the fabric of our community. At Harmony Garden, we believe deeply in a community music therapy approach, meaning we recognize and value the role of music in all its forms—whether through professional therapy, education, or community-based music programs.
While board-certified music therapists hold a distinct role in healthcare and clinical services, we do not “own” music for healing and wellness—nor should we. Instead, we seek to collaborate with musicians, educators, and music organizations to ensure that music is as impactful as possible. Through our consultation services, we offer expert clinical insight to help organizations elevate their music programs, ensuring they best serve their audiences. When paired with enriching music initiatives—such as concerts, music lessons, music education, bedside music volunteers, and community jam sessions—our combined efforts make music more accessible, meaningful, and effective for those who need it.
There is more than enough room for all of us to make a difference in our community through music. By working together, we can ensure that music remains a source of joy, connection, and support, all while respecting the professional scope of music therapy and the essential expertise it provides.
Join Us in Advocacy
This March, we invite you to join us in advocating for the profession of music therapy. By raising awareness, educating others, and supporting policies that recognize and fund board-certified music therapy services, we can ensure that those in need have access to the highest standard of care.
Together, let’s champion the transformative power of professional music therapy in our community and beyond.
