The Online Conference for Music Therapy (OCMT): Demonstrating best practices for virtual conferences, education and training

Abstract

This report highlights the Online Conference for Music Therapy (OCMT) and assesses the impact of the global pandemic COVID-19 on the education and training of music therapy students, as well as music therapy and music and medicine conferences. Virtual conferences and the future of conferences in general are overviewed, while best practices for virtual conferences are sharedand connected to the OCMT exemplar.With considerable uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of the pandemic on face-to-face conferences and instruction, it does seem timely for a review or study of the feasibility of teaching music therapy courses online versus in class. With each online conference new knowledge is gained and best practices will continue to evolve. Given COVID-19, it is timely that the profession addresses the benefits and challenges of remote learning and telehealth practices for music therapy training. The music therapy community is fortunate to have the experience and practices of the OCMT to inform their virtual events during this pandemic.