From the Editor

Abstract

The state of music therapy is at a crossroads. On one side, the number of credentialed professionals continues to grow (Certification Board of Music Therapy, n.d.); workforce demand is strong and available jobs are on a positive trajectory; public visibility is robust in press, media, and through partnerships such as Sound Health Network (n.d.); and the breadth of our work offers tremendous options in practice diversity and specialization. Meanwhile, the professional association and informal networks of music therapists and students in the United States are in flux, seeking deep change that is difficult to articulate and achieve. Finding a way forward that addresses institutional racism and oppression while managing resource constraints and multiple perspectives has been challenging for the American Music Therapy Association’s (AMTA) Board of Directors and members, especially during these recent years. My years as a music therapist and my identity as a queer woman have given me conflicting responses as to who we are as a profession: I have an unshakeable belief in the function and longevity of music therapy as a vital, powerful force in healthcare professions, our communities, and schools, yet I also hold frustration and a simmering anger at how oppressive the hierarchy of the association has been in its policies, processes, and communications. The struggle is real as our association, alongside many other professional societies, seeks to identify and drop oppressive practices, review and update policies and processes, and establish more effective communications—all while operating under tight financial restrictions. In the past few months, I have witnessed how diligently the board of director members have worked to bring the association to a point where it can re-build with intention. I am optimistic for AMTA, and so I write this editorial in a spirit of sharing information I hope you will find valuable, offering insights and information as to Music Therapy Perspectives (MTP) initiatives. The editorial team of MTP has continued in our work to bring innovative and forward-thinking works to music therapists. Our commitment to evidence-based, informed practice and to supporting the clinical work of music therapists has not been shaken.