Professional Organizations

The essential organizations advancing music therapy research, practice, and credentialing

American Music Therapy Association

AMTA

The largest music therapy organization in the United States, AMTA's mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services. Establishes clinical standards, supports research, and advocates for insurance coverage.

musictherapy.org →

Certification Board for Music Therapists

CBMT

The independent, nonprofit certifying agency for music therapists. CBMT administers the board certification exam (MT-BC credential) and maintains standards for recertification. Exams are available year-round at PSI testing centers nationwide.

cbmt.org →

World Federation of Music Therapy

WFMT

The international body representing music therapy associations around the world. WFMT promotes music therapy globally, organizes the World Congress of Music Therapy, and supports international collaboration, research dissemination, and professional development.

wfmt.info →

Southwestern Region — AMTA

SWAMTA

One of AMTA's seven regional chapters, SWAMTA serves music therapists in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Hosts annual regional conferences and provides continuing education opportunities.

swamta.org →

AMTA Regional Chapters

AMTA is organized into seven geographic regions, each hosting its own annual conference and providing local professional development.

Great Lakes (GLR)

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

glr-amta.org

Mid-Atlantic (MAR)

Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

mar-amta.org

Midwestern (MWR)

Iowa, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee

mw-amta.com

New England (NER)

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

musictherapynewengland.org

Southeastern (SER)

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina

ser-amta.org

Southwestern (SWR)

Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

swamta.org

Western (WR)

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

wramta.org

2026 Conferences & Events

Upcoming music therapy conferences, congresses, and professional development events

Feb 26–1 2026

MAR-AMTA Regional Conference

Immaculata University, Malvern, PA (Hybrid)

Mid-Atlantic regional conference offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. Includes workshops, research presentations, and networking.

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Mar 11–14 2026

GLR-AMTA Regional Conference

Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI

Great Lakes region annual conference with clinical workshops, student presentations, and continuing education opportunities.

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Mar 11–14 2026

SER-AMTA Regional Conference

Charlotte, NC

"Collaboration in Every Key" — Southeastern region conference featuring research sessions, clinical demonstrations, and peer networking.

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Mar 26–28 2026

NER-AMTA Regional Conference

Sheraton Harborside, Portsmouth, NH

New England region annual conference with keynotes, breakout sessions, student poster presentations, and CMTE opportunities.

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Jul 7–12 2026

18th World Congress of Music Therapy (WCMT 2026)

Bologna, Italy

"Connecting Borders. Creating Networks and Enhancing Identities through Music Therapy." The premier international music therapy event, featuring 800+ presentations from researchers and clinicians worldwide. Organized by WFMT, AIM, and FIM. Scholarships available for students and professionals.

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Aug 20–22 2026

AMTA National Convention

Location TBA

The annual national convention of the American Music Therapy Association. The largest gathering of music therapy professionals in the U.S., featuring keynotes, research presentations, clinical workshops, and exhibitors.

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Oct 22–24 2026

IAMM International Conference

Christ University, Bangalore, India

International Association for Music and Medicine conference focusing on the intersection of music therapy and medical practice.

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Nov 21–22 2026

BAMT Conference 2026

Online

"Music Therapy in a Changing Landscape" — British Association for Music Therapy annual conference, held virtually with international participants welcome.

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Know of a conference we're missing? Let us know and we'll add it.