One component of the mission of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is to define the body of knowledge that represents competent practice in the profession of music therapy. This body of knowledge, found in the CBMT Scope of Practice, evolves as theories, methods, and techniques within the practice of music therapy evolve and grow.

In order to support MT-BCs’ efforts to maintain or enhance competent practice, CBMT administers and monitors Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) for certificants through Approved Providers (APs). APs provide educational activities that serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional abilities necessary for MT-BCs to provide competent service. Since over 90% of nearly 5,000 certificants choose the continuing education

option to maintain their board certification, CMTE courses play a critical role within the profession.

Part of CBMT’s Strategic Plan involves collection of appropriate data that defines certificants’ needs and interests, including identification of continuing education needs and interests. In order to meet this goal, the Continuing Education Committee (CEC) of CBMT conducted a Needs Assessment survey on Survey Monkey in 2006. In addition, Approved Providers’ Needs Assessment surveys were compiled by the CEC during the summer of 2007. Fifty-six percent of APs responded with their summaries (which included results from 2002-2007) and the results were compiled in the fall of 2007.

The top three client populations highlighted were autism/PDD, geriatric including Alzheimer’s and dementia, and early childhood. The top three areas identified in the Needs Assessments Approved Provider summaries (relating to each domain area in the CBMT Scope of Practice) are as follows:

Music Theory and Skills
1. Improvisation
2. Percussion techniques/drumming
3. Guitar techniques

Assessment/Treatment Planning
1. Assessment procedures
2. Establishing goals and objectives
3. Data collection/measurement tools for assessment/writing assessment reports/sharing assessment results

Implementation/Termination
1. Therapy
2. Relaxation/stress management
3. Social skills/self esteem/group cohesion

Documentation/Evaluation
1. Documenting client’s progress
2. Evaluating client’s response to therapy
3. Data collection techniques and forms (including in school groups)

Professional Development
1. Supervision/consultation
2. Current issues/research/literature
3. Related technologies

In order to meet these identified needs of certificants, the CEC of CBMT is looking for Approved Providers to offer courses in these areas. If you are currently an Approved Provider, please consider offering a CMTE course in one of the above identified need areas.

The CEC is also seeking to increase the number of Approved Providers, which could provide certificants with a wider range of CMTE courses that meet their needs and interests. Becoming an AP allows you to contribute to the skill and knowledge development of MT-BCs. It also provides you with the opportunity to develop a business or increase your income. As an AP, you can connect music therapists to one another, fostering collegiality and knowledge exchange.

The Continuing Education Committee is available to answer questions or to provide any special assistance during the Approved Provider application process. The CEC offers a free mentorship program, which provides potential APs with a mentor member of the CEC. This mentor will provide support and feedback throughout the approval process. Please contact the CBMT office at 1-800-765-2268, ext. 23 for information, or download an Approved Manual and One-Year Probationary Application from our web site at www.cbmt.org.