|  Here is the spring edition of your MAR-AMTA newsletter, Tuning In to Rx Music. As always, features such as clickable links and a table of contents should make navigation easier throughout. You can also access the newsletter on the MAR webpage. In future issues, reports and articles will link directly to our new website. In this issue, you'll find results of our recent elections for Executive Board and Assembly of Delegates, the incoming MARAMTS Executive Board, a detailed synopsis of Arts Advocacy Day 2015, MAR membership spotlight, and much more.
Lastly, if you change your email address, be sure to update it with AMTA and with the editor of Tuning In to Rx Music. This way, you continue receiving your newsletter and occasional email blasts with important MAR news!
 So look for your summer issue in late July. It will feature an even friendlier mobile format designed to match our MAR brand. But until then, enjoy your spring read, and... thanks for Tuning In to Rx Music!
Mark Ahola, MM, LCAT, MT-BC
Editor
|
Sponsors of
Tuning In to Rx Music
Click ads for links
|
|
Immediate Past President's Report
Kristen O'Grady, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
|
As you know, we recently conducted elections for the 2015-2017 MAR-AMTA Executive Board. It is my pleasure to share with you the results of the election.
President-Elect: Michael Viega, PhD, LCAT, MT-BC
Vice President for Membership: Anita Gadberry, PhD, MT-BC
Vice President for Conference Planning-Elect: Timothy Gannon, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
Treasurer: Brooke Carroll Lemchak, MMT, MT-BC
Government Relations Chair: Maria Fay, MSW/LSW, LCAT, MT-BC
Public Relations Chair: Megan Resig, LCAT, MT-BC
13 Assembly Delegates were elected by the membership. That information is included in the report of Assembly Chair, Donna Polen.
Thank you to all members who voted in the election. There were several extremely close races which indicates how extremely qualified all of the candidates were. This was the second time that we have used an electronic balloting system. While we had a lot of positive feedback, there were a few comments that gave us ideas to improve upon for the future. We strive to provide an easily accessible balloting option that increases votership while maintaining anonymity. If you have feedback about your experience voting that could improve the process in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me at MARAMTApastpresident@gmail.com. I would like to thank Newsletter Editor, Mark Ahola, for completing the ballot layout, ensuring all eligible members received a ballot, and troubleshooting issues that arose during the process. Mark is an incredible asset to this region and does so much work behind-the-scenes to make things run as smoothly as possible.
Finally, the culmination of this election represents the ending of my service to the region in an executive board capacity. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the membership as an executive board member. While I am looking forward to new things (and perhaps a bit more "free time"!), I will always think fondly of my time on the board. I look forward to seeing everyone at conference after my "retirement" kicks in!
FROM THE TOP 
|
 |
|
Vice President for Membership Report
Anita Gadberry, PhD, MT-BC
|
A large number of MAR members gathered in Ocean City for regional conference and enjoyed some of the benefits of AMTA membership: networking, continuing education, and receiving information about happenings in the music therapy community. As membership numbers were not available at the time of conference (since conference was held prior to the end of the first quarter), the chart below lists the number of members in each membership category.
Membership numbers as of March 31st for the last three years
| Membership category |
3-31-15 |
3-31-14 |
3-31-13 |
| Affiliate |
4 |
3 |
6 |
| Associate |
10 |
7 |
7 |
| Graduate student |
122 |
139 |
125 |
| Honorary life |
7 |
6 |
6 |
| Inactive |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Life |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Patron |
1 |
0 |
2 |
| Professional |
416 |
424 |
402 |
| Retired |
14 |
14 |
12 |
| Student |
187 |
165 |
203 |
| Total |
763 |
759 |
764 |
This year, the MAR offered two conference support awards, each $300, to assist members in attending the regional conference. The recipients submitted notes of appreciation:
"I just want to thank the MAR again, for offering this support. I was able to attend several lectures that were directly related to my clinical work, while also providing new insights and inspiration. I was also able to secure some time for self-care, which has left me feeling strong, energized, and peaceful. I met some new people and made some new connections, while also re-connected with people I haven't seen for some time, from my university and internship. I am greatly appreciative [of this support] and ...I look forward to serving our organization and our members [in the future]."
"After going from a full-time job to working only 1 day a week to help raise my boys, I felt very disconnected from the MAR and other music therapists. With our budget smaller than it used to be, I applied for the conference scholarship in the hopes of being able to attend the MAR- AMTA regional conference. Without the money I received, I would not have been able to recharge my creative juices, rekindle my love of music therapy, and reconnect with members of the MAR region. I have come back to my job rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges I am facing. Thank you MAR!"
The conference support awards will be available again next year, with applications due two weeks prior to the early-bird conference registration deadline.
Also during this quarter, I connected with MAR student representatives at our regional colleges and universities. I sent them a presentation template to use in discussing the benefits of AMTA membership. I also reached out to members that joined our region within the last two years and hosted a calling drive focusing on Maryland (due to the conference location) and Pennsylvania (due to the PA town hall meeting at conference.
AMTA has a goal of increasing the number of professional members to 3,000. The current number is 2,225 while there are 6,000 board certified music therapists. If every MAR member encouraged one additional professional to become a member, we could meet AMTA's goal. Recruit and extol the benefits of being a member of AMTA!
http://www.musictherapy.org/members/benefits/
FROM THE TOP |
|
Treasurer Report
Brooke Carroll Lemchak, MMT, MT-BC
|
2015-16 Budget Preparation
The Financial Advisory Committee is in the process of budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Once Conference profits have been determined, the 2015-16 budget can be finalized and the Executive Board will vote for approval.
Financial Audit and Advisement
At the end of every 2-year Treasurer term, we solicit an independent review of the financial records. Given the growth of our membership, and subsequently our income, we will also solicit advisement from a financial planner to assure we are managing our assets in fiscally responsible ways, and in line with the goals of the Region. As we prepare for future growth, we want to be good stewards of our resources and in an ideal position to serve our membership and the community.
If anyone has family or friend connections with financial advisors familiar with nonprofit and/or professional organizations, who might be willing to offer their time and expertise, please contact me at: maramtatreasurer@gmail.com.
Account Balances
As of April 15, 2015, our Operating Budget has a balance of $
81,192.68,
the Conference account a balance of $
17,010.22, and the Student Checking Account $5,532.49.
The Vanguard liability reserve now totals $
37,139.26
. We are on track to end our fiscal year in good financial standing.
FROM THE TOP
|
|
|
MAR Assembly Chair
Report
Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC
|
Mark your calendars now! The dates for the 2015 AMTA conference, "Music Therapy: A Continuum of Growth," are from Thursday, November 12 through Sunday, November 15, 2015. We will be meeting at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, MO.
Early bird registration rates must be postmarked by August 3!!!
Some general scheduling for the conference includes the following:
- Opening Session: November 12, 2015
- Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) courses: Nov. 12, 2015
- Meetings: Nov. 10-15, 2015
- Institutes: Nov. 11, 2015
- Concurrent Sessions: Nov. 12-15, 2015
- Internship Fair: Nov. 14, 2015 - 9:00-10:30 a.m.
While the schedule of meetings for the Assembly in Kansas City is not yet finalized, all MAR Assembly Delegates and Alternates should start planning now.
The 2014-2015 Assembly is tentatively scheduled to meet as follows:
Thursday, November 12 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Friday, November 13 7:30 - 9:00 am
Saturday, November 14 11:15 am - 1:15 pm
As soon as the meeting schedule is set, I will be contacting the current Assembly Delegates and Alternates to insure we have adequate representation at all meetings in Kansas City. In addition, after receiving the AMTA Board and Assembly Book, I will be working with President Ritter to identify key issues that will come before the Assembly, both to seek feedback from membership as well as to coordinate a pre-Assembly meeting caucus in Kansas City if needed.
Welcome to the 2016-2017 Assembly-Elect!
With the results of our recent election, we are proud to announce the 2016-2017 MAR Assembly Delegates and Alternates.
|
Delegates (in alphabetical order)
Elaine Abbott
Brian Abrams
Mark Ahola
Gene Ann Behrens
Carol Ann Blank
Nicole Hahna
Anthony Meadows
Julie Neal
Kristen O'Grady
Donna W. Polen
Noah Potvin
Gabby Ritter
Brigette Sutton
Michael Viega
Gary Verhagen
Patricia Winter
|
Alternates (in order of being called to serve)
Seung-A Kim
Andrea Hunt
Flossie Ierardi
Leah Oswanski
Maria Battista-Hancock Bryan Muller
Darcy Lipscomb
Betsey King
Robert Miller
Clare Arezina
Jacqueline Birnbaum
Melanie Walborn
Laurie Keough
Joni Milgram-Luterman
Seamus O'Connor
Maria Montserrat Gimeno
Mary Claire Holliday |
The 2016-2017 Assembly-Elect meeting time is not yet finalized; it will either be on Saturday, 11/14 from 6:45-7:30 pm, or on Sunday, 11/15 from 6:45-7:30 am. While the Assembly-Elect meeting is brief, it is an important one in which four Assembly Delegates and four Alternate Delegates are elected to the AMTA Board of Directors. Of the four Delegates to Board, one will be elected as the new Speaker of the Assembly and one as the new Assistant Speaker of the Assembly. In addition, it is at this meeting that the MAR Assembly-Elect will select their new Assembly Chair. All full Delegates are encouraged to begin thinking about their possible interest in being nominated as a Board Delegate, as well as to consider appointment to the MAR Assembly Chair position. If you have questions regarding either, please do not hesitate to contact me.
FROM THE TOP
|
|
Research Committee
Report
Andrea McGraw Hunt, PhD, MT-BC
|
In this report we bring you updates and information about:
- The recipient of the 2015 Research/Special Project Award, Dr. Michael Viega for "Evaluating Arts-Based Research: Audience Perspectives"
- Highlights from the Research Track at Ocean City, MD
- Research news from AMTA
Research/Special Project Award: We received many strong applications this year for the MAR Research Award, which speaks to the great work being done in the region. Out of this pool, we selected Dr. Michael Viega's project, "Evaluating Arts-Based Research: Audience Perspectives." The $2000 award will support Dr. Viega's presentation of his and Dr. Diane Austin's arts-based research at several venues in the MAR region, data collection from audience members about their reaction to the research presentations, and mixed-method analysis of these responses. We look forward to seeing Dr. Viega's and Dr. Austin's presentations of their work, as well as the results from these data.
Research Track: Many attendees at the research track this year took the time to share very positive feedback about the research track at Ocean City. This year we hosted Dr. Blythe LaGasse from Colorado State University as our guest speaker to highlight clinician-based research. We supported this theme through Dr. Joke Bradt's session on mixed-method research for preliminary and feasibility studies. These sessions included dialogue and discussion about ways to incorpo  rate these principles into attendees' own research ideas. We also highlighted Dr. Lillian Eyre's work resulting from the 2014 Research Award, a survey of music therapists practicing in mental health settings. Dr. Tony Meadows hosted a discussion regarding the quality and performance of Music Therapy Perspectives, and Dr. Gene Ann Behrens provided an informative session on creating research posters. Our annual poster session rounded out the track, with several outstanding posters presented by both professionals and students. We plan to continue focusing on providing helpful and practical sessions to encourage clinician-based research next year.
AMTA News: On July 16-18, the AMTA is hosting "Improving Access and Quality: Music Therapy Research 2025" at Linthicum Heights, MD. This working symposium will host invited speakers and delegates to recommend guidance for future research. Interested music therapy professionals are invited to attend as general attendees and observers. Click here to find more information, including a draft agenda on the AMTA website. Registration opened on May 4; space is limited, so register early.
FROM THE TOP
|
|
International Relations Committee
Flossie Ierardi, MM, MT-BC, LPC
|
Global Perspectives Session at AMTA Conference November, 2015 The International Relations Committee welcomes submissions for consideration for the Global Perspectives Session at the AMTA Conference. The session showcases international music therapy projects, scholarly work and service opportunities from around the world. Previous sessions have highlighted both professional and student experiences. Please email Flossie Ierardi at fmi22@drexel.edu with your ideas for 2015 no later than July 1. Upcoming international conferences (click on a flag for website link):
 |
Canadian Association for Music Therapy Conference
May 22-24, 2015
Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
 |
The 2nd Nordoff Robbins Plus Research Conference: "Evaluating music therapy: Considering value, benefit and impact"
June 9, 2015
London, UK |
 |
3rd Biennial Conference of the Interdisciplinary Society for Quantitative Research in Music and Medicine
July 24-26, 2015
Immaculata, Pennsylvania, USA |
 |
8th Nordic Music Therapy Congress: Music therapy across contexts
August 5-8, 2015
Oslo, Norway |
 |
41st National Conference: Australian Music Therapy Association
September 18-19, 2015
Sydney, Australia |
 |
American Music Therapy Association 2015 Conference
"Music Therapy: A Continuum of Growth
November 12-15, 2015
Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
 |
10th European Music Therapy Conference
July 5-9, 2016
Vienna, Austria |
 |
15th World Congress of Music Therapy
July 3-8, 2017
Tsukuba, Japan |
FROM THE TOP
|
|
Government Relations News
Maria Hricko Fay, LSW, LCAT, MT-BC
|
2015 has been a very busy spring for MAR Government Relations. The MAR Conference in Ocean City afforded MANY opportunities for conference attendees to learn about and become involved in efforts regarding state recognition and advocacy. The following are some highlights from the MAR Conference:
The Annual State Task Force Meeting was held and approximately 20 task forces members in MAR attended. We'd like to thank Megan Resig, MAR Public Relations Chair, for attending our meeting to discuss the new MAR Website. There was discussion on how to use the website in new ways for advocacy efforts. We'd also like to thank Judy Simpson, AMTA Director of Government Relations, who joined us as the force members discussed and shared ways to make task force work more effective in the region. A hearty thank you to all members of the MAR State Task Forces for all the work you do throughout the year!
- MDSTF Advocacy Breakfast was Friday morning of the conference. Local administrators, public officials, and members of the MDSTF met to share and exchange ideas about music therapy advocacy in MD. "Music Therapy Champion" awards were presented at this event. Many thanks to Niki Runge and Clarissa Karlsson, MDSTF Co-Chairs, for coordinating this event.
- Learning to Harmonize: Opportunities for Music Therapists and Therapeutic Musicians to Collaborate was a concurrent session by Certified Music Practitioner Allen Dec, CMP and Judy Simpson, MT-BC who presented on how to build relationships with therapeutic musicians on a regional level.
- The State of Music Therapy in New York State was a concurrent session led by Donna Polen, NYSTF Chair. The session updated music therapists about the LCAT and efforts being made for state recognition of a true music therapy license in NY.
- PA Town Hall Meeting was held during the PA State Meeting. PA State Task Force Co-Chairs Nicole Hahna and Melanie Walborn presented and discussed the proposed Music Therapy Licensure Bill in PA.
An Open Form on State Task Forces and State Associations was held by Judy Simpson, Julie Neal, Gabby Ritter, and Maria Fay to address, clarify, and educate attendees about the roles and missions of these two organizations. Discussion ensued about ways these two entities can support each others' work.
ARTS ADVOCACY DAY 2015
Learning the Layers of Advocacy
I had the incredible opportunity in my new role as Government Relations Specialist for AMTA to attend the 28th annual Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. on March 23-24. This annual event was hosted by the Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. This event brought together a broad cross section of America's cultural and civic organizations, along with 550 grassroots advocates representing 48 states across the country, to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts. AMTA was a national co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day. AMTA served as the chair of the Arts in Health Subcommittee which developed the Arts in Health Issue Brief and Field-at-a-Glance talking points. Working with leaders from other creative arts therapies associations and artist organizations interested in healthcare, attendees were urging Congress to:
- Support H.R. 271, the COVER Act, to improve access to evidence-based complementary and alternative treatments for veterans, including creative arts therapies.
- Support S. 192, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015, which re-authorizes funding for supports services, including creative arts therapies; directs funding for behavioral health programs; and requires the Administration on Aging to focus on health and welfare needs of older individuals, which could increase access to creative arts therapies and artist directed health promotion programs.
AMTA's Director of Government Relations, Judy Simpson, presented details about these action items to attendees interested in arts in health issues. She presented to a standing only room.
The following is a link to 2015 wrap-up page for Arts Advocacy Day which includes the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy given by TV Producer Norman Lear, who was introduced by music artist COMMON. Congressional Arts Kick-Off speeches were given by Caucasus leaders Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) as well as Congressional Arts Leadership Award winner Senator Tom Udall. Other thespians who spoke in support of the cause were Holland Taylor, Doc Shaw, and Victoria Rowell.
Click here for more information on the Arts Advocacy Day 2015.
|
|
|
Judy Simpson
Presenting the Arts in Health Issue Brief
|
|
|
|
Hill Visit
Rep. Lou Barietta's Office
|
Actress Holland Taylor
Finally, there were the visits with our federal legislators and a White House Briefing. This whole experience opened my eyes to the many layers of advocacy. In my role as MAR Government Relations Chair, I have primarily reported and worked with state advocacy. This opportunity was enlightening to see the importance of working with much larger coalitions on a federal level and the benefits and challenges associated with this work. While at Arts Advocacy Day, one of the speakers spoke about creating a culture of advocacy. I thought the points were very relevant to share about advocacy on any the local, state, and regional level. Let's create a culture of advocacy in MAR! Key Principles of a Culture of Advocacy (Taken from Arts Advocacy Day)
- Advocacy must be a part of your daily mission.
- Being successful depends on a unified message, purpose, and strategy.
- Seek established coalitions on federal, state, and local levels.
- Politics is fluid - change is constant. Be ready for it!
- Establish a strategy and a plan.
- Get to know elected officials.
- Understand how your activities contribute to the greater good.
- Treat your allies and opponents with friendly respect.
- Work hard for your political friends.
- Be honest.
- Politicians respond to voters. Target voters for your advocacy.
- Strive for clarity and brevity in all you communications.
Why Should You Get Involved?
- Because it is a marathon not a sprint. This work takes time. It is important to support the work over time.
- If you don't, your opponent will!
- You have the opportunity to change and influence our federal, state, and local laws and policy. You may think this is intimidating, but really it is not. You are supported by many competent professionals who are very willing to assist, lead, and support you at the state, regional, and national level. You may think that your voice will not be heard, but it really DOES matter.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
STATE UPDATES Maryland (Co-Chairs - Niki Runge and Clarissa Karlsson)
- The Maryland State Task Force hosted the region's first Advocacy Breakfast at the MAR-AMTA conference in Ocean City on March 20th. During the breakfast, local professionals were presented with a certificate given jointly by MAR-AMTA and the Maryland State Task Force honoring them as a "Music Therapy Champion." The breakfast also served as networking opportunity that led to an invitation to a local support group that will have a legislator, who was unable to attend the breakfast, as a speaker. This was a great opportunity to educate local advocates about the larger music therapy association, the state task force mission and to connect our grassroots supporters with grasstops! It is hoped that future advocacy breakfasts can also be included at the regional conferences.
- The task force is gearing up for its letter-writing campaign and to begin reaching out to the state music therapy community to assist in the next step in our advocacy efforts.
- If you have any you would like to add please contact the task force at mdstate.task.force@gmail.com.
New Jersey (Chair - Paula Unsal)
- NJSTF wants to thank Maria Hricko Fay for work as MAR Government Relations Chair and welcome her in her new role as AMTA Government Relations Specialist.
- WE HAVE A BILL! As we write this, the NJSTF has received word that our Music Therapist Licensing Bill has been introduced in the Assembly and will soon be introduced in the Senate. To learn more details as we progress, you can stay in touch by joining us in the ways listed below. We want everyone to be informed and involved.
- We have two new options for information: a Facebook Group "NJ Music Therapy Task Force" and Twitter @NJSTF. We use these in two ways:
- The FB group provides updates and information you need to know about NJ state task force work. Information will directed for the members of the FB group only. If you are a music therapist or a music therapy student you may join our group by sending a request.
- We use Twitter to spread news to the general public in support of music therapy and our work.
- We continue to send emails as before in addition to FB and Twitter. If your email address has changed or you did not receive our emails in February and March, please contact us at newjerseytaskforce@gmail.com to update your information..
- A public review of N.J.A.C. 10:37G proposed language changes regarding Short Term Mental Health Facilities closed on March 21st. The language continues to support music therapy and more clearly defines STCF professional staff. NJSTF provided NJ Music Therapists with email samples to send in support of the proposed language changes and we want to thank those of you who responded to our request. Click here for a link in order to read the entire language.
- The NJSTF has implemented a program to reach out to students at Montclair State University, providing information about state recognition and the current practice of music therapy in New Jersey. Response has been positive and we look forward to including music therapy students in a future Hill Day event.
- WE ASK AGAIN that you respond to our emails, watch for news on FB, from MAR and Twitter so that you may remain informed and involved in your professional future.
- For more information please contact the task force at newjerseytaskforce@gmail.com.
New York (Chair - Donna W. Polen)
- See individual report.
- For more information please contact the task force at NYSTF@aol.com.
Pennsylvania (Co-Chairs - Nicole Hahna, and Melanie Walborn)
- We hope you have all had a wonderful time at the MAR Conference in Ocean City! The PA Task Force alongside CBMT, AMTA, and the office of Senator Teplitz, has finalized draft legislative language for a licensure bill. Thank you for your support as a region and we look forward to helping to make music therapy licensure a reality in Pennsylvania this year!
- The PASTF facilitated a Town Hall for Pennsylvania music therapists at this year's regional conference. It was well attended and music therapy clinicians, students, interns, and educators provided feedback and support for the upcoming introduction of a music therapy license. Discussion topics included increasing the use of social media and email groups to communicate information to PA music therapists, the benefits and potential drawbacks of a music therapy license, and the upcoming action needed to support the movement of the legislation once it is introduced.
- As the next regional conference is in Harrisburg, PA, The PASTF plans to host an advocacy training and Hill Day to capitalize on the abundance of music therapists in attendance and the proximity to the state capitol. Please stay tuned for where you will be needed to voice your support the PA music therapy license legislation!
- For more information please contact the task force at pastate.task.force@gmail.com.
Virginia (Co-Chairs - Tom Gerni and Elizabeth Haley)
- The VASTF work is currently on hold until June 2015. At that time a strategic plan will be put in place to continue task force work. VA Music Therapists please look for ways in the very near future to support this work.
- For more information please contact the task force at vastfmt@gmail.com or Maria Fay.
West Virginia (Chair - Amy Rodgers Smith)
- The WVSTF has been working on a "Call to Action" to add music therapy to WV I/DD Medicaid Waiver. If you are a music therapist in WV please respond to this important call to action.
- For more information please contact the task force at WestVirginiaSTF@gmail.com.
Please send questions regarding MAR Government Relations to Maria Hricko Fay:
margovernmentrelations@gmail.com.
FROM THE TOP
|
NY State Task Force on Occupational Regulation
Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC
|
Information current as of 4/27/15
The voting members of NYSTF, appointed by the MAR Executive Board, are: Ari Amir, MA, MT-BC; Clare Arezina, MME, MT-BC, CCLS; Beth R. McLaughlin, MSE, LCAT, MT-BC; and Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair; and Tracy S. Wanamaker, MS Ed, MT-BC. Ex-officio members, without the right to vote, are: Rachel Reed and Rebecca Rossi, student members; Maria Hricko Fay, MSW/LSW, LCAT, MT-BC, MAR Government Relations Chair; Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC, AMTA Director of Government Relations; and Gabby Ritter, MMT, MT-BC, MAR President. NYSTF works closely with CBMT Regulatory Affairs Advisor, Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC, and CBMT Regulatory Affairs Associate Kimberly Sena Moore, MM, MT-BC, as well.
Music therapy licensing
The task force is continuing to explore the creation of an authentic music therapy license in NYS, based on the recent survey results and discussions with members at the conference in Ocean City. A meeting in Senator LaValle's Albany office with two of his key staffers is scheduled in May. Scheduled to attend the meeting are Donna Polen and Tracy Wanamaker from NYSTF and Diana Georgia, our legislative advocate.
New legislation
NYSTF is currently monitoring the following bills which may impact the LCAT directly or indirectly:
S1958/A4229
Includes the term "diagnosis" within the definition of the practice of mental health practitioners.
S2065
To require blanket health insurance policies to include coverage for outpatient treatment by mental health practitioners.
A5465
Defines the practice of recreation therapy, including procedures for licensing and mandatory continuing education.
Medicaid
NYSTF has heard from numerous music therapists in all parts of New York with questions, concerns, and challenges as a result of the new Medicaid regulations that took effect October 1, 2014. Please be assured that we are doing our best to learn more about this and determine how we can best support our members while also considering action to take. If you have questions or information related to this, we want to hear from you!
NYSTF at Regional and National Conferences, and NYS schools
NYSTF facilitated the NYS meeting at the spring MAR conference in Ocean City, MD and also presented a concurrent open forum titled, "The State of Music Therapy in New York State." We are hoping to present a concurrent session at the annual AMTA conference in Kansas City in November. We are also starting to schedule workshops at each of the 5 licensure-qualifying schools in NY, which will include portions specifically for students and then time slots for students and professionals to learn together.
As always, please contact the task force with any questions you may have regarding the LCAT and any music therapy related legislative, regulatory or advocacy issues. We can be reached at: nystf@aol.com.
FROM THE TOP
|
|
Vice President for Conference Planning
Brigette K. Sutton, MA, MT-BC
|
T
he 2015 MAR Conference in Ocean City, MC, was a lively and invigorating event! We "rode the sound waves" with almost 650 music therapy professionals, students, and guests! Many of us enjoyed the beautiful setting on the ocean with the bay nearby for vivid sunrises, gentle waves, fresh air, and lots of tasty seaf
ood! We reconnected with old friends, for
med new relationships, explored new skills, gathered insights, and hopefully took a few moments to relax and refresh!
|
|
|
Click logo for a full report and conference reprise!
|
An incredible thank you goes out to the 2015 MAR Conference Council, the Local Committee, volunteers, and others who helped with planning and working such a spectacular conference!
2015 MAR Regional Conference Council
- VP-Elect for Conference Planning: Trish Winter
- Regional Event Planner: Tina Myers
- Regional Exhibits: Karen Jasko
- Continuing Education Coordinator: Clare Arezina and Laurie Keough
- Student Representative (MARAMTS VP): Qiana Thomas
- Public Relations: Megan Resig
- Local Hosts: Niki Runge and Amanda McEntegert
2015 Local Conference Planning Committee
- Local Hosts: Niki Runge and Amanda McEntegert
- Local Registration: Nina Galerstein and Kathy Hall
- Local AV/Instruments: Sarah Speice and Melissa Ward
- Local Exhibits and Fundraising: Carolyn Sonnen and Doris Ludicke
- Local Social, Entertainment, Hospitality: Shana Oshiro and Nadine Wobus
- Local PR/Government Relations: Niki Runge and Amanda McEntegert
- Local Volunteer Coordinator: Cynthia Breese
- Local Student Service Project: Tatyana Martin
- Local Committee Member-at-Large: Gina Greeson
Thanks also to other MAR members who assist in the conference planning process:
- Research Track: Anthony Meadows and the MAR Research Committee
- Special Target Populations Networking Lunch: Darcy Lipscomb
- Assembly Delegate networking and Celebration of Life: Donna Polen
- Special Student Forum: Conio Loretto
The Mid-Atlantic Region is proud to host high quality conferences each year! This year's conference featured one Pre-Conference Institute, eight CMTE Courses, and 73 concurrent sessions with more proposal submissions than ever before! The schedule of events also included:
- MAR's first Advocacy Breakfast to recognize 18 local professionals as Music Therapy Champions
- Ask a Professional: Student Forum
- Networking with Assembly Delegates
- Town Hall: Master's Level Entry Subcommittee Spring Progress Report
- PA Town Hall on state licensure
- A Celebration of Life: Evelyn Selesky
Look for photos of these and other conference moments as captured by our professional photographer as well as conference attendees!
Congratulations to the recipients of this year's awards and scholarships!
- MAR Advocacy Award: Tara Kearns
- MAR Service Award: Karen Jasko
- MAR President's Award: Maria Fay
- MAR Research Award: Michael Viega
- MARAMTS Scholarships: Lydia Anthony; Bethany Wentling; Briana Sanford; Elizabeth Bligh; Megan Neil
- Music Therapy Club Award: Elizabethtown College; Temple University
- Jenny Shinn Scholarship: Diana Abourafeh; Marissa Aulenbach; Arianna Bendlin
Check out these conference highlights and other information and FAQs at
www.mar-amta.org
. See you in Harrisburg, PA!
FROM THE TOP
|
|
Hey, New York!!! Did you know???
|
In an effort to help keep NYS music therapists informed regarding the Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) law and regulations, we are pleased to offer this little column of regulatory tidbits!
The Mental Health Practitioner's law is both a scope of practice and title protection law. It regulates the practice of four professions (Creative Arts Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and Psychoanalysis). Each of these four professions includes the practice of psychotherapy, as defined in law:
"Psychotherapy" means the treatment of mental, nervous, emotional, behavioral and addictive disorders, and ailments by the use of both verbal and behavioral methods of intervention in interpersonal relationships with the intent of assisting the persons to modify attitudes, thinking, affect, and behavior which are intellectually, socially and emotionally maladaptive.
There is no such thing in New York as a licensed psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is part of the practice of creative arts therapy. As a further reminder, there is no such thing in New York as a licensed music therapist. The LCAT does not license the profession of music therapy.
As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), the law is clear regarding what you can call yourself and your work:
Article 163, Section 8404, Part 2: Practice of creative arts therapy and use of the titles "creative arts therapist" and "licensed creative arts therapist". Only a person licensed or exempt under this article shall practice creative arts therapy or use the title "creative arts therapist". Only a person licensed under this article shall use the title "licensed creative arts therapist" or any other designation tending to imply that the person is licensed to practice creative arts therapy.
There are many instances of LCATs referring to themselves with titles that do not exist. Examples of these that have been brought to the attention of NYSTF include:
- Licensed psychotherapist
- MT-BC, LCAT, is a board-certified, licensed psychotherapist
- Music psychotherapist
- I'm a board-certified and NYS licensed music therapist
- Music psychotherapist (LCAT)
If you are an LCAT music therapist, make certain that you identify yourself accurately, using only titles set forth in law: creative arts therapist, or licensed creative arts therapist. If you also are board certified, you may call yourself a Board Certified Music Therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.
Furthermore, if you are working under a Limited Permit, there are no titles or abbreviations identified in law for your use. If you wish, you may indicate that you "hold a Limited Permit in Creative Arts Therapy" or are a "Permit holder in Creative Arts Therapy," but be certain that you do not imply that you are licensed to practice the profession.
If you have specific questions or areas of law that you would like us to address in future issues, please notify us at nystf@aol.com.
FROM THE TOP
|
|
MARAMTS: Student Affairs & Happenings
Conio Loretto, MS, LCAT, MT-BC - Student Affairs Advisor
Megan Neil, MT-BC - MARAMTS Vice President
|
What a wonderful conference we had in Ocean City! On behalf of the students in our region, thank you to everyone who worked so heard to make it so.
NEW MARMATS EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTED
First and foremost, our student organization elected their new Executive Board. Congratulations to...
Elizabeth Bligh (SUNY Fredonia) - President
Andrea Schaertel (Duquesne University) - President Elect
Megan Neil (Radford University) - Vice President
Allison Broaddrick (Duquesne University) - Parliamentarian
Meghan Smith (Temple University) - Secretary
Amanda Montara (Temple University) - Treasurer
Cody Thompson (Elizabethtown College) - Government Relations Chair
Conio Loretto (The Center for Discovery) - Student Affairs Advisor
Thank you to our outgoing Executive Board members for their wonderful service to our region...
Logan Everhart (SUNY Fredonia)
Qiana Thomas (Radford University)
Abigail Erdman (Radford University)
Diana Abourafeh (Molloy College)
Brooke Pantalena (Shenandoah University)
Shane Sullivan (SUNY Fredonia)
Your hard work is appreciated by all!
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
We awarded several scholarships during the conference. The MARAMTS sophomore, junior and graduate scholarships were awarded to students in our region who have demonstrated a commitment to our field based on the following criteria...
...active participation in Music Therapy club meetings and activities...
...interest and involvement in regional conferences...
...self-motivation with regard to independent learning experiences.
The scholarship winners are decided by a team of student judges through a blind review of applications. A special thank you to this year's team of judges!
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients, who were awarded complimentary student membership to the American Music Therapy Association for 2015 and with free registration to our Mid-Atlantic Region Conference:
SOPHOMORE SCHOLARSHIP
Lydia Anthony (Elizabethtown College)
Bethany Wentling (Elizabethtown College)
JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP
Briana Sanford (Nazareth College)
Elizabeth Bligh (SUNY Fredonia)
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Megan Neil (Radford University)
The Jenny Shinn Memorial Scholarship for Music Therapy Interns was also awarded during the conference. This scholarship is given to three student interns within the Mid Atlantic Region who have demonstrated scholarly excellence, a strong character and significant service to our field. We accepted twenty applications this year, which were then narrowed down to six finalists following a blind review by our judging panel. The six applicants were then interviewed by our judges at the conference in Ocean City.
Congratulations to the three scholarship recipients, who will each be awarded $500 to help support them in their internship experiences...
JENNY SHINN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Diana Abourafeh (Molloy College)
Marissa Aulenbach (Elizabethtown College)
Arianna Bendlin (Elizabethtown College)
Thank you to our professional judging panel, Trish Winter, Bob Miller, Beth Deyermond and Michael Viega for making this very difficult decision.
We also awarded this year's Music Therapy Club Award to Elizabethtown College and Temple University. Each club received $250 based on their noteworthy efforts to spread awareness and advocate for our field.
STUDENT SERVICE PROJECT
MAR Conference Committee member Tatyana Martin spearheaded the redesign and reorganization of the annual Student Service Project. Groups of students from one university (or two if pairing with sister schools) signed up to visit a location in the Ocean City area and provide an overview of Music Therapy and/or provide a sample Music Therapy experience. Given this new format, many more sites were visited by smaller groups of students. In the end, our students visited eight different locations and introduced Music Therapy to agencies serving a diverse range of populations. Special thanks to Tatyana whose amazing organization (and persistence!) made this happen!
ASK THE PROFESSIONAL: AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENTS
At this year's conference, we once again provided an opportunity for students to sit with a panel of professional Music Therapists, all at different stages of their careers, to answer questions and seek advice as to what it is like navigating the professional world. A wonderfully dynamic exchange occurred, with many topics covered. Thank you to our panel who openly and honestly shared their experiences - Kayla McNamara, Ashley Drake Estes, Sarah Radzieski, Shana Oshiro, Kerry Cornelius, Kristen Vogt, Marie Louise Lyon, Lauren Rowe, Kristen O'Grady and Beth Deyermond.
THE CANNING PROJECT
Thank you to all who dropped some change in the cans circulating through the conference center. All together MARMATS collected around $100, which will be donated to The Music Never Stops: The Tyler Seaman Foundation.
SWAP SHOP
Thank you to all schools who participated in this year's Swap Shop. Many ideas for various clinical situations were shared...a great opportunity to learn from one another. A special shout out to Abby Erdman who organized the wonderful event.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Our new Executive Board is energized and looking to the future. Be on the lookout for the announcement of this year's PASSAGES conference - coming soon! And, any student who has a great idea (or two!) for advancing our organization should reach out any of your MARAMTS officers. Here's to a great year!
|
|
|
Executive Board - Past and Present
|
FROM THE TOP
|
|
Membership Spotlight
Anita Gadberry, PhD, MT-BC
|
 This quarter our Membership Spotlight shines on a valued MAR member: Irvin Sayoc Kalugdan, MMT, MT-BC. Irv took the time to answer some questions so we could know more about him and his wonderful contributions to our profession. Thank you, Irv! Describe your career as a music therapist-education, populations served, etc. While I was interning at Cedar Lane Center for adolescents with emotional disabilities in Fairfax County Public Schools in Vienna, VA, I was working as a psychiatric technician in a corporate psychiatric hospital in Leesburg, VA at nights and a counselor at a halfway home in Front Royal, VA on the weekends. I was asked to incorporate my music therapy training into my work at the hospital and halfway home and helped to instill a greater sense of how music therapy can be used in those settings. Working part time, I started my current program at the Mount Vernon Comprehensive Services Site (MVCSS) 17 years ago, which eventually became the full time position that I currently maintain. At MVCSS, I have the opportunity to work closely with the Art Therapy program on a daily basis exposing me to the benefits of collaborative practices and interventions. This led me to searching for more ways to incorporate the expressive arts and collaboration in my work as a music therapist. I left the hospitals and halfway house to focus on my work at MVCSS, which included starting a breakdance club for the Mt. Vernon community including at-risk youth and special education students from my music therapy program. I continued to perform on the side as a musician for several years until I decided to take a break from performing as a musician and pursue a part time career as a ballroom dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. While there, I had the pleasure of working with a couple that had been referred to us by their physician to rehabilitate from a stroke using Tango and other smooth style dances. After experiencing amazing results with rhythmic auditory stimulation and gait re-entrainment practices, I left the dance studio to revisit my work as both a musician and private music therapist working with children, teens, adults, families and aging. I expanded my private practice, which was primarily children with autism, to include stroke rehabilitation and chronic asthma sufferers. After several years of been asked to speak about music therapy both domestically and internationally, I decided to put my private practice and performing on hold to pursue a masters in music therapy at my alma mater, Shenandoah University. Afterwards, I went back into private practice and incorporated working with contractors and consultants including other music therapists, art and dance/movement therapists. Shortly following successful experiences with these collaborations, I started the Creative Arts Therapy Studio, LLC and am looking forward to providing more ways to help my community using the expressive arts as therapeutic interventions. What brought you to the field of music therapy or why did you decide to pursue music therapy as a profession? I was originally a music education major with a minor in dance and psychology. I knew I wanted to end up in the education field in someway, but didn't really consider music therapy or music in special education. During freshman year at Shenandoah University, my maternal grandfather suffered a stroke that left him in a coma. We flew to California and rushed to his bedside. Over several family visits, I noticed that he was able to respond to my mother singing to him at his bedside. I had brought the course catalog with me on the plane and noticed the Intro to Music Therapy course. The following semester, I added the course and later dropped my minors to pursue music therapy as a double major. What suggestions do you have for novice music therapists? Work hard and work smart. Try not to just do one or the other. Listen to, learn and respect both our predecessors and our future professionals. Remain vigilant to our standards and ethics, even as they continue to adapt to the changing needs over time. What are some of your favorite resources (Websites, books, blogs, journals, etc.)? AMTA publications (JMT & Perspectives) Journal of Ethnomusicology Journal of Music Education www.Voices.no Jessica Kinglsey Publishers Tell us about one of your most favorite moments of being a music therapist. At the start of a new school year, I was in a conversation with a returning student about the music that he discovered over the summer. As a freshman, he came in as a hip hop rapper wanting to emulate Eminem which is why it surprised me when he asked to learn songs from the singer songwriter Jason Mraz. After a couple minutes into the discussion, I got an email asking if we wanted to go to a sound check to meet him in person...Jason Mraz. I almost fell out of my seat. In that moment, I couldn't say anything to my student until I got the field trip approved. The timing of that email was uncanny. As we sat in the front row of his sound check, I watched my students and their parents' expressions as they experienced Jason Mraz's performance. When he came down to talk with us, we shared a lyric analysis that we had done of his music. He loved the lyric analysis, the concept of music therapy and the kids. My students were so pleased that their insight was valued by Jason Mraz. He spent quite a bit of time talking about his songwriting process and the power of music in his own life. It was the beginning of an amazing journey into a level of community outreach, collaboration and partnership that I had never thought was even possible. But it was also a humble reminder of how much more significant our work can feel when we network and connect with the music community in our everyday practice. Describe a challenge you have had in your career and what you did to overcome it. One of the many challenges I've experienced is the concept of maintaining a balance. One of my colleagues says that I suffer from helium-hand whenever someone asks if there's a volunteer or apparent need. The challenge was not just balancing time and attention to tasks, but also balancing my relationship to different personalities and colleagues. My job was part-time when I started and I got paid next to nothing compared to many of the people I worked with. But I saw the growth potential so I stuck with it. I saw many colleagues that I consider to be friends, come and go for various reasons. Trying to stay focused and continue my work regardless of the changes became very difficult. In many ways, I was just happy to have a job that afforded me a lifestyle that I could somewhat enjoy. And because most public school teachers don't really get "paid" well, many of us just need a second job to keep the bills paid. So, accepting this reality and balancing both everything and everyone that I want to spend my time and attention on is a constant challenge. I overcame this challenge of balance when I realized it wasn't something that you fix and then it goes away. I realized that it needed to be tended to and nurtured and not because the neighbor's garden is nicer than mine, but because I get to chose what goes in my garden. Little by little, your hard work goes a long way and you'll be able to accomplish all the things you set out for yourself if you remember that you get to chose. What goals do you have for the next few years? Expand my practice to partner with more organizations and businesses. Get back into performing. Continue to balance family, "me" time and work. Do you have hobbies outside of music? Dancing, art, going to museums, mountain biking, rock climbing, back country camping, section hiking, snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling, video games, comic books, movies and most importantly spending time with my loved ones. Feel free to state anything else you would like us to know about you. I love my family and they mean the world to me. Being a father and husband are amazing responsibilities that take amazing amounts of time, patience and effort. Trying to become and remain a music therapist really helped me to learn what it's like to work hard to sustain healthy relationships and let the unhealthy ones go. I also host an annual 5K wellness walk and Turkey Trot at Mt. Vernon High School every Saturday before Thanksgiving, in which my music therapy students DJ and perform at the bandstand. If you're a runner, walker, want to get in shape or would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact me directly or visit MVCaresTurkeyTrot on Facebook for more information.
|
|
|
Follow:
Submission deadline for summer issue: July 15, 2015
|
Thank you for reading this issue of Tuning In to Rx Music!
Feel free to contact me with feedback or suggestions!
|
|
|
|
|
