Australian Music Therapy Association to Host National Conference, 9/14-15

The Australian Music Therapy Association, founded in 1975, now has around 480 Registered Music Therapists working around Australia in areas which include aged care, special education, early childhood, community, palliative care, paediatrics; brain injury and rehabilitation, oncology and with autism. Registered Music Therapists and anyone with an interest in music therapy are invited to register for the 2 day National Conference to be held in Melbourne on September 14 and 15 at The Novotel on Collins, 270 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Music therapy is defined as the clinical and evidence-based use of music, by university trained professionals, to accomplish individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship. It incorporates a range of music making methods focusing on health and wellbeing and supporting people of any age and ability regardless of musical skill, culture or background.

The 2013 National Conference will open both days with a keynote session.

Professor Raymond MacDonald, Professor of Music Psychology and Improvisation at the Reid School of Music, The University of Edinburgh - Will open the Saturday session
Dr Helen Shoemark, Keynote Panel Facilitator. The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, with panellists Associate Professor Nikki Rickard, Dr Catherine Crock, Dr Priscilla Robinson, Monique Brumby and Liesel Higgins.

Other spokespeople are:

Associate Professor Felicity Baker RMT - Head of music therapy research and ARC Future Fellow, University of Melbourne
Dr Jeanette Tamplin, RMT - Chair, Scientific Committee. University of Melbourne and Austin Health, Melbourne

Registered Music Therapists have completed an approved tertiary music therapy program and incorporate a range of music making methods within and through a therapeutic relationship. In Australia, music therapy is a Masters qualification which can be studied at The University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney and The University of Queensland. Music therapy is different to music education and entertainment because it focuses on health and wellbeing. It is an allied health profession.

The objectives of the Australian Music Therapy Association and the 2013 Music Therapy Conference is to

Raise awareness of music therapy and what it is
Raise awareness that a Registered Music Therapist is a qualified music therapist who maintains their professional skills.