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As we gather for AMTAS Passages 2024, we invite you to join us for a day dedicated to the exploration and celebration of our shared passion for music therapy. AMTAS Passages event, Soulful Sounds, happening on October 26th from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (EST), is a virtual event crafted by students, for students. This is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on our journeys, and draw inspiration from the collective wisdom of our community.
We'll begin the day with "Sip & Socialize," a warm and inviting space where you can enjoy your morning beverage while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. Whether you're a seasoned networker or just looking to connect, this session is designed to set the tone for a day of sitting with our community. It's a casual start to the morning that allows us to ease into Passages, fostering connections that will enrich the rest of our time together. Following our networking session, we are honored to present a keynote address by Chris Millet, MM, MT-BC. Chris will share insights and experiences that highlight the profound impact music therapy has on our personhood throughout many stages of our joining. From student, intern, professional, and seasoned professional, his words are sure to resonate deeply. Our student community is the heartbeat of AMTAS, and the event continues with a session dedicated to showcasing their incredible work. This segment of the day offers a platform for peers who are pushing the boundaries of music therapy through innovative research, personal stories, and new ideas. It’s a chance for us to support and learn from one another, and to witness the future leaders of our field as they share their visions. The Internship Fair offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse internship opportunities and connect with potential supervisors. Whether you're searching for your next placement or just curious about what’s out there, this session will provide valuable insights into the possibilities ahead. It's an essential step in our professional journey and this fair is designed to make that step as informative and engaging as possible. We'll close the event with a reflective session, celebrating the connections made and the knowledge shared throughout the day. This is a moment to look back on what we've experienced together and to consider how we can continue to inspire and support one another as we advance in our music therapy journeys. As we look back on the challenges of recent years, including the global pandemic, civil unrest, international conflicts, and the constraints placed on us by external forces, we recognize the resilience and strength of our community. In the face of adversity, we have held space for reflection, growth, and solidarity, honoring the past while steadfastly moving forward. In 2024, our focus remains unwaveringly on our student community. We are committed to serving them to the highest capacity possible, providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Our mission to promote, foster, and advance the education and training of our members is more important than ever as we navigate an ever-changing landscape. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in bringing "Soulful Sounds" to life. Your dedication and hard work are what make events like this possible. We personally invite each and every one of you to share your passion with us on October 26th. Let’s come together to connect, inspire, and be inspired as we celebrate our student community! Written by Sydney Winders, AMTAS President
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Are you a student who is looking for community and involvement in the AMTA universe? Do you want to learn more about relevant music therapy topics and connect with leaders in the student community? Feeling unsure about how you can access these resources and materials? Don’t worry, AMTAS has an amazing event that can help you reach your music therapy and personal goals.
This year AMTAS will be hosting our 2024 passages entitled “Soulful Sounds: Exploring our Passion for Music Therapy,” on October 19th and 26th. Our event is crafted by students and for students. The purpose of this program is to virtually connect, share, and celebrate our journeys within the music therapy community and field. “Soulful Sounds,” aims to highlight lived experiences and explore our passion for music therapy. Through various events and interactive sessions and student presentations such as an internship fair, virtual coffee fair, and inspiring keynote, AMTAS aims to foster a supportive community for students, interns, and professionals. “Soulful Sounds,” is also an opportunity to become involved and aware of the current AMTAS processes. We will have two student business meetings where attendees can vote on bylaws updates, new board members, and make their voice heard on important issues. Students should attend if they are looking for a supportive and open space to better understand and be involved in AMTAS. AMTAS encourages all music therapy students to attend “Soulful Sounds” to foster passion and equitable education in both their individual and communal spaces. If you are interested in attending “Soulful Sounds: Exploring our Passion for Music Therapy,” you can register by following our link tree on Instagram @_amtas_. In the meantime, students can follow our instagram to engage in community conversations, scholarship applications, takeovers, AMTAS Academies, Merch posts, and student spotlights. If you have any questions about “Soulful Sounds,” please feel free to email me @[email protected]! Written by Mercedes Shook Harmonizing with the New Semester: Building Confidence as a Music Therapy Student (AUgust 2024)8/4/2024 As a student beginning their last semester of college, I was thinking of my past years as a student. My first year I was filled with so much fear and uncertainty, and with this in mind, I thought I would like to discuss confidence while starting a semester. Here are some things I have learned along the way:
Tip #1: Little steps at a time I always thought that I had to take everything all at once to feel successful, but that is not the case at all. I find myself much more productive and therefore confident if I beat small challenges and take tiny wins throughout my day, month, and semester. At the end of the day, it is not a race. Take your time, one little step at a time. “One step at a time, one hope then another, who knows where this road may go?” – Lynn Ahrens, “Journey to the Past” from film Anastasia Tip #2: Failure does not mean that you’re incapable, rather it means you are growing. As someone who is a perfectionist, failure is not an option. I dread the feeling of it, I want things to go well. Yet, there have been multiple moments where I have failed–because I am human–and instead of giving up, I took that experience as a way to improve. I think as a student, you are in the best position to fail because this is the time for you to learn from your mistakes (not saying that as a professional you cannot fail and learn). Do not give up, especially if it’s for something you are passionate about! Tip #3: Be genuine I consider myself an ambivert. Funny enough if you ask around there will be mixed responses regarding my personality. Some say that I am the shyest and sweetest person; whereas some say that I will not stop yapping and that I am sociable to anyone and everyone. Honestly, both parts are the real me. I have found that I have the best time when I am my true self around others. The same can be said around my peers and my clients because that is where true connections and progress can be made. Being yourself is the best thing you can be! Tip #4: Make friends and connections I love how wonderful music therapy students are! I have felt so welcomed by everyone in this field. They’ve surrounded me with so much joy and positive feelings. I have met a lot of my closest friends through music therapy. I have learned from very wise professors and supervisors along the way. Overall, I would say taking the time to meet people makes this field so much more worth it, because after all we are all here to help others! Tip #5: Mental health matters This one I would emphasize a million times if I could. I’ve had multiple rough episodes of mental health crises. I would say connecting with my professors, friends, and support group (family members) was one of the best things to do. I also took time to seek therapy and found comfort in God and my spiritual beliefs. Whatever brings you comfort, take the time to take care of yourself. It is not selfish to pause and care for yourself. Afterall, working with clients requires your full, genuine, and healthy self. Tip #6: Find hobbies outside of music Many people actually shared this tip with me and as time progressed in college I found that it is very valuable. I take time outside of music. For example, I like to play with my pet bunny, I like to watch my favorite anime, I stress bake, I read a lot (keep up with a very long TBR), and occasionally I crochet. There is more to me than my musical identity. Plus, it is fun to spend time doing things that bring you joy. Tip #7: Enjoy the music I know my previous tip was about finding things about music but also enjoy the music! You are pursuing this degree because you know how powerful music can be in your life and others. Sometimes when I am in sessions and connecting through the music I realize that I am so fortunate to experience music the way I do. I think music is just a huge part of the human experience. Tip #8: Ask questions, explore! Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions and explore! I find myself constantly inquisitive of brain processes, how to improve my musical skills, and about opportunities of growth. I realized that as a student I have all of the opportunities to explore and research. I have wonderful professors that will allow me to be curious because at the end of the day I am growing. This is all a part of learning and becoming the professional that we all want to be. If you made it this far, thank you for reading! Hope you have a wonderful semester. I believe in you, believe in yourself as well! If you have any questions or would like to share semester moments with me, do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]. With warmest wishes, Karina Colon Fuentes, AMTAS President-Elect  Written by: Maren Meneley In May, students from the University of Kansas embarked on a new, hybrid clinical and experiential study abroad opportunity in both the speech-language pathology and music therapy fields. Four music therapy and 11 speech-language-hearing students spent 10 days in Bulgaria and four days in France. While this wasn’t KU’s first interdisciplinary, therapy-based trip, this was the first to feature music therapy! Maren Meneley, a second-year undergraduate music therapy student, explains what drew her to participate in this opportunity. “I have always wanted to study abroad,” said Meneley. “When I heard about this trip, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to not only gain clinical experience before entering into practicum but to be immersed in a new culture.” The students spent the first couple of days in Sofia, Bulgaria. On the first day, they met with individuals from the Bulgarian Music Therapy Association, learned about their approach to using music therapy with different populations, and participated in a few activities led by the Bulgarian music therapists. The next day, the students met with individuals from the Bulgarian Alzheimer’s Association and they shared their perspective of being professionals in the field of memory care. Along with the informational presentations, students also had the opportunity to explore Sofia. “I really loved walking around downtown,” said third-year undergrad music therapy student Kiersten Grant, “and my favorite building was the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral because of how beautiful it was inside and out.” Graduate music therapy student Grace Park enjoyed visiting and learning about the many ancient churches of Bulgaria. “These visits gave me a deeper understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage and history,” stated Park. “The beauty and peace of these sites made the experience truly memorable.” After spending a few days in Sofia, the group made their way to north-central Bulgaria, where they would be spending the bulk of the trip. They provided interdisciplinary speech-language therapy and music therapy at a children’s home and an elder home in nearby villages. “It was a big adjustment for me to just jump into the clinical work rather than having weeks to plan,” said Meneley. Grace agreed. “I learned a lot about the importance of being flexible and adaptable in clinical settings,” stated Park. “Additionally, I realized how important it is to be open to learning from every interaction, whether it’s with clients, team members or local professionals.” When asked about her favorite part of her clinical work, first-year undergraduate music therapy student Simone Ross brought attention to the impact that music had on the groups the students worked with. “I learned that music therapy has the ability to bring people together no matter what their backgrounds are,” said Ross. “We were able to create memories and unique relationships with the clients that we worked with by bonding through music.” Kiersten touched on the specifics of co-treating with both speech and music therapy. “While working with the speech-language pathology students, we focused on providing intentional music while they focused on the direct communication,” expressed Grant. “We all learned to use each other as a resource because everyone had something different to bring to the table.” When their time in Bulgaria was finished, the group also traveled to Athens to visit historical landmarks like the Parthenon in Acropolis and to Santorini to learn more about the culture of Greece. After spending a few days in Greece, the group made their way back home. “Leaving Europe was very bittersweet,” says Meneley. “I can’t wait to start practicum this year and see how much I have grown not only as a music therapist and a person.” “The opportunity to study abroad was easily one of the best decisions that I think that I will have made in my entire life,” expressed Ross. “Not only did I get the chance to explore a country that I otherwise would never have gotten to, but I got to create new memories and friendships with individuals who also share the desire to help others through their respected specialty.”   A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Dr. Jayne Standley’s Contributions and Legacy (July 2024)7/2/2024 Behind the ever-growing field of music therapy are several pioneers who have paved the way for our practice. Among them, Dr. Jayne Standley stands out as the most influential and innovative pioneer of NICU music therapy. Known for her role as a Robert O. Lawson Distinguished Professor at Florida State University and the inventor of the Pacifier Activated Lullaby (PAL), Dr. Standley has become a beacon of inspiration for many in the field. Her exceptional intelligence and innovative contributions have profoundly impacted the communities at Florida State University and the Neonatal Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. Dr. Standley has left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring and supporting countless individuals along the way. As Dr. Standley approaches retirement from Florida State University this year, music therapists across the globe have come together to honor her significant contributions to the field. In a recent edition of Imagine magazine for early childhood music therapy, 70 authors celebrated Dr. Standley's work. The magazine features 180 heartfelt tribute letters, resources, intervention ideas, and research snapshots of current NICU practices, highlighting her dedication and innovative contributions. Additionally, the Evidence-Based Music Therapy for Premature Infants, 3rd edition textbook, published last year, includes contributions from several NICU fellows who are FSU alumni and former students of Dr. Standley. This book illuminates Dr. Standley’s accomplishments, serving as a valuable resource for all current and future music therapists. At the 2024 SER-AMTA conference, attendees had the unique opportunity to receive NICU-MT training from Dr. Standley herself and get their new textbooks signed. Alongside the many tributes from the NICU Institute and the music therapy community honoring Dr. Standley’s work, her FSU family has made sure she feels the impact of her legacy in her final year. Toward the end of spring semester, several doctoral students in the music therapy program at FSU organized a special serenade by the FSU Marching Chiefs—a group Dr. Standley was part of during her time as an FSU student. Faculty, staff, and students all came together for this heartfelt celebration. Following her 10 a.m. class, everyone gathered in the classroom to present Dr. Standley with flowers and kind words. In a touching tribute, they formed a large circle, linked arms, and sang the FSU Alma Mater, celebrating her remarkable contributions and lasting influence. A couple months later, following Dr. Standley’s final class period at FSU, her students came together to celebrate her last day on campus with flowers, a farewell card, and dessert. A little over a year ago, I made the decision to apply to FSU for my master’s degree with the hope of studying under Dr. Standley. I was delighted to find that I had been accepted. All my expectations were exceeded. The support, inspiration and education I received from Dr. Standley during my time at FSU was profound. I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate her during her final year at FSU and contribute to the 2024 edition of the Imagine magazine. She has become a role model for myself and for many. Though there have been many tears shed at the prospect of Dr. Standley’s leaving, we are overcome with joy, appreciation, and immense respect for the legacy she has created. Dr. Standley’s contributions to the field of music therapy will remain an integral part of our profession and live on to inspire current and future generations of music therapists. Written by Hannah Gross, MT-BC, NICU-MT  Dr. Standley's last day at FSU, a celebration following her final class ever! Exciting Summer Events with AMTAS: Fundraisers, Merch, Master Classes, and More! (JUNE 2024)6/3/2024 Welcome to the vibrant summer season with the American Music Therapy Association for Students! As we gear up for a series of engaging events, we’re thrilled to share what’s on the horizon. From fundraisers to master classes, merch relaunches to symposiums, there's something for everyone in our community. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:
June: Donation-Based Fundraiser We’re kicking off the summer with our first annual donation-based fundraiser. This initiative is more than just a way to raise money; it's a vital source of support for our students. Every dollar contributed will be directed towards organizing impactful events, providing scholarships, and offering various resources to help our members thrive. How to Get Involved:
July: Relaunching AMTAS Merchandise Show off your AMTAS pride with our freshly relaunched merchandise line this July! Our new collection features stylish apparel and accessories that allow you to connect with fellow AMTAS members and showcase your passion for music therapy. What to Expect:
Stay tuned for more details and be ready to update your wardrobe with our latest offerings! August: Virtual Heartbeat Song Master Class We are thrilled to announce a unique learning opportunity this August with our Virtual Heartbeat Song Master Class. This event will focus on the innovative technique of navigating womb recording, providing attendees with hands-on experience and insights from industry experts. Event Highlights:
This master class is perfect for both students and practicing music therapists looking to expand their toolkit. Don’t miss out on this enriching educational experience! September: Scholarships and Symposiums September is a busy month for AMTAS with two major events on the calendar.
Why Attend:
Mark your calendars and prepare for a month filled with learning and growth! Join Us This Summer! We are excited about the opportunities and experiences that await you this summer with AMTAS. Stay connected with us on social media and our website for the latest updates and event details. Let’s make this summer memorable together! Warm regards, Sydney Winders, MA, MT-BC, AMTAS President Internship as a music therapist can be a very dichotomous experience, evoking feelings of stress, joy, loneliness, community, creativity, burnout, and so many other complex emotions. Throughout this time, one of the best coping strategies to further your education and longevity in the field is to connect with the resources available to you as a music therapy intern. However, going about this journey on top of an internship can feel daunting, so I decided to give you a head start! Over the past month I have put together a living document for music therapy interns that includes resources like scholarships, podcasts, blogs, regional websites, and more. This document will be constantly updated to remain relevant and accurate. Furthermore, with this document I hope to create a space for sharing and community. During internship, it's important to fall into community. You don’t have to shoulder the burden of solving
everything yourself, and you don't have to have all the answers. In that same vein, please continue to share resources and personal experiences with AMTAS, your program-mates, and other students across the region. Through collaboration we can support each other and thrive as young professionals to create a more inclusive environment. -with love, Mercedes LINK TO RESOURCE MEGA DOC https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K0ZgqpFMshoqkhyLrVy-DOBit4O6YCh9QjcBCKh1uqI/edit?usp=sharing At Children’s Health in Dallas Texas, past the intricate maze of the hospital lobby and hallways, behind a thick wood door, lies a collection of cubicles decorated in photos of dogs, colorful nick-knacks, and children’s drawings. To the side of the office space, sits nine rolling carts busting at the seams with instruments ranging from guitars, to bells, and even cat pianos. Further squirreled away, sits a room with nine desks, which too are decorated with photos, dog treats, awards, and more. Though this could seem cramped, to me, it was a space with an overwhelming warmth. Community exudes from the purple walls and welcomes me each week when I meet for practicum. This is the child life office where music therapists, interns, and Certified Child Life Specialists work together to help children cope and heal. Child life is an integral part of the pediatric hospital setting, and usually music therapy is a branch of the child life department. But what exactly is child life? And what is music therapy’s role? According to the Association of Child Life Professionals (2023), “Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) play a critical role in supporting child health and wellness, leveraging expertise in helping children and their families to cope with stressful experiences in a variety of settings.” CCLS aid in family/patient coping and developmental needs through interventions like distraction play, explaining medical procedures, education on coping strategies, promoting play and expressive activities, and procedural support (Association, 2023). Child life and music therapy often work in tandem as an interdisciplinary force, aiming to achieve the same goals such as decreasing anxiety, building cognitive skills, increasing language skills, promoting communication and expression, and legacy building (McLeod & Starr, 2021). The interconnectivity of child life and music therapy make for a powerful combination. One can see this reflected in that purple office, tucked away within the walls of the hospital. I have seen how music therapists and the CCLS rely on each other to provide holistic and quality healthcare. Many times, my supervisor and I have walked units in search of a patient, only to run across one of the CCLS. Other times, we’ll co-treat with the CCLS, singing or playing music during an IV placement to provide distraction and pain relief. The two trained professionals speak in a secret code, finishing each other's sentences and sharing the most pertinent information like plan of care, family context, and emotional or physical needs. This collaboration supports the music therapist’s goal to provide in the moment care and consider musical, medical, and therapeutic needs. As I consider the relationship between child life and music therapy, my mind wanders back to the purple office. I see how interwoven these fields are when music therapists feed the child life dogs a treat; I see it in the way the child life specialists will light up at the mention of their favorite song. I can see it outside of the purple office as well, in the halls of the hospital. As a music therapy student, having the privilege to work with and observe the child life team is an experience I will never forget. The purple office will always hold a place in my mind as the symbol of collaboration, care, and cultivation in the pediatric hospital setting. Written by Mercedes Shook, AMTAS Secretary References  Written by Hannah Estrella, Canada & USA Delegate for the World Federation of Music Therapy’s Assembly of Student Delegates. Community Conversations
In our profession of music therapy, we hold for ourselves a significant responsibility to expand our knowledge of music and therapy across the world’s continents and its diverse paradigms, so we may regard each individual we may come across with their entire intersectional and holistic being. To do this, we must do our part to bridge our understanding of each other on a more global scale. This is what WFMT aims to accomplish and to help us better achieve. The World Federation of Music Therapy is an international non-profit organization that was created to promote music therapy throughout the world and generate the exchange of information about global music therapy. Furthermore, to promote the growth and leadership of the upcoming generations of music therapy professionals, WFMT developed the Assembly of Student Delegates which represents music therapy students from around the world. The ASD wishes to support the sharing of our learning experiences with each other and amplify our diverse student perspectives; and as the recently elected liaisons of our respective regions, our goals are to enhance students’ knowledge of the profession, to facilitate the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and opinions, and to assist in preparing responsible, politically aware, and skillful leaders for our field. As we progress, we will continue to share resources and events such as the World Music Therapy Week which will be from April 10 to 15 this year, and the next World Music Therapy Congress which will take place in Italy in 2026! You can learn more and contact us through our website, https://www.wfmt.info/students, by following @worldfederationmusictherapy on social media, and emailing your Canada & USA representative at [email protected] with any questions you may have. We look forward to strengthening our connections with you all, and we wish you a Happy Lunar New Year! The AMTAS national and regional boards have been working hard this year to provide educational opportunities for music therapy students and new professionals. Since the spring, new regional boards have been elected, SAAB meetings have been held, scholarships have been distributed, and multiple events have been facilitated through regional and national student boards. Highlights from each region and the national AMTAS organization are shared in this blog! Regional AMTAS Updates Mid-Western Region This region has been busy since their spring fundraisers and in-person conference held in March of 2023. Since the spring, they have maintained active social media posts sharing resources on cultural competence, internship spotlights, tips for students like vocal health, and repertoire building resources. To further promote student growth, this region held a one-day Fall Symposium at The University of Missouri-Kansas City, which covered topics such as songwriting skills, improvisation, guitar and piano skills, and group drumming facilitation. The executive board continues to fundraise for student scholarships through restaurant fundraisers, merchandise sales, and live events. Information about upcoming events in the spring, such as the annual virtual MWRAMTAS Passages event, can be found promoted on Instagram (@_mwramtas_), on TikTok (@mwramtas_), and on their website (mwramtas.org)! Western Region Since their events in the spring, the Western region has been working on increasing their online presence through various means. The new executive board sent out their first regional newsletter which included an introduction of the new board members and a research highlight on mental health and music engagement. This board would like to highlight the recent amazing work of the music therapy organizations at PU, CSUN, and Utah State! Upcoming events and other information can be found at wramta.org and on Instagram (@wramtas)! Mid-Atlantic Region The Mid-Atlantic region has been working hard to provide advocacy and educational opportunities such as a high school advocacy project, a mentorship program which pairs current students with professionals or interns in the region, and a Swap Shop event where students share interventions or music therapy topics with one another. In addition to these events, MAR-AMTAS has been planning fundraising opportunities such as sticker and pin sales at MAR Passages, merchandise sales via Bonfire, and a t-shirt competition. This region will also donate to Angelina's Song in the spring for their annual MAR-AMTAS Gives Back fundraiser. This regional board would like to highlight the following music therapy organization’s accomplishments in the region:
More information about their work in this region can be found on all social media (@mar_amts), and on their website (https://maramts.weebly.com)! New England Region NER-AMTAS recently welcomed new music therapy programs at University of Rhode Island, Westfield State University, Southern Connecticut State University. SCSU student, Gager Collier also joined the executive board! Students from these schools, as well as Berklee College of Music and Lesley University, attended this region’s 24th Annual Student and New Professional Music Therapy conference in October, which included networking and fundraising opportunities. They also held their first vendors from The Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance and Granite State Music Therapy at this conference.This regional board will be holding advocacy campaigns and events in the spring, as well as working on continued fundraising efforts to support students in this region. Information regarding these upcoming projects will be available on all social media platforms (@neramtas) and on their website (https://www.neramtas.org/)! Southwestern Region This region has been working on creating new student scholarship opportunities this fall. They have created two new undergraduate scholarships for $250 each, and these will be awarded to students in the region who show passion, great work ethic, and an exemplary application. This board has also been planning the spring regional conference which will be held at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and will include an internship session, call for interventions, craft activities, and interregional socialization. One stand-out school in this region for the fall semester has been the University of the Incarnate World for having the most student attendance at last year’s 2023 conference in Austin, Texas, for which they were awarded a cajon. Information about upcoming events in this region can be found on their website at https://swamta.org/conference! Southeastern Region The Southeastern region is excited to announce a new music therapy program at Jacksonville University! Interim program director, Danielle Porter, said, “Between our unique collaboration with Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences and affiliations with a variety of medical settings in Jacksonville, we truly have the ideal educational and training experience for music therapy students." SER-AMTAS is excited to support this program and collaborate with JU students. This regional board has also been advocating for a new DEI chair position to potentially be added to this board to increase representation and advocacy. To further promote DEI initiatives within the region, they plan to hold meetings with student groups such as student associations for Asian American students to gain perspectives on how to continually grow in these areas throughout the year. Updates about what this region is working on can be found on Instagram (@ser_amtas)! Great Lakes Region GLR-AMTAS has been working on creative ways to increase connectivity throughout the region such as bi-monthly Connection Hours which provide activities such as karaoke and talent show fundraising competitions to promote networking among students. Along with this talent show fundraiser, other opportunities to raise funds to better support students include a Krispy Kreme donut fundraiser, Christmas Grams, and ongoing seasonal Bonfire merch! Advocacy through social media has also been a focus for this region, as they held a social media initiative over the summer to share informational content about music therapy. The GLR regional board also would like to highlight the consistent advocacy and networking efforts shown by Cleveland State University in this region! Upcoming projects include conference and Passages planning, as well as an Internship Guidebook for the Great Lakes Region that includes information about internship requirements, interview tips and processes, and other considerations. More information and updates from GLR-AMTAS can be found on Instagram (@glramtas) and on their website (http://glramtas.weebly.com/)! AMTAS Board UpdatesAMTAS events, fundraisers, scholarships, and more can be found on social media platforms (@_amtas_)! AMTAS Business The second half of the AMTAS board term has been filled with planning, advertising, and facilitating our annual SAAB, Student Business Meetings, and Passages Conference. At these conferences, over 24 bylaw changes to improve consistency and clarity were proposed and approved. For the first time since 2021 at least, each regional student leadership position, student advisory role, and AMTAS board for 2024 has been filled. Additionally, AMTAS is grateful for the collaboration and assistance from AMTA leaders this year, including the AMTA Assembly of Delegates, Dr. Lori Gooding, Angela Snell, Leslie Henry, and Brian Jantz, in advocating for a decrease in AMTA Student Membership from $95 to $60, effective January 2024. AMTAS Events In October, AMTAS hosted its annual Passages Conference, "Navigating Music Therapy" virtually with over 30 students and new professionals from across the country, as well as over 100 registrants who will have access to the recorded sessions. Highlights of the event included keynote speakers, Dannielle Caldwell and Morgan Maxwell (SER), cohosts of the music therapy podcast “Music til Proven Therapy,” as well as Maggie Ford (SER, East Carolina University), Rina Tabuchi (MAR, Montclair State University), and Jessie Ku (MAR, New York University) as our student presenters. The AMTAS board would like to express great gratitude to AMTA Conference Committee Leaders, Andrea Dalton and Jennifer Sokira, for their assistance with the AMTA-U website and Zoom assistance for this event. In November, AMTAS facilitated the first national music therapy internship fair since the 2021 AMTA Virtual Conference to connect students with national roster internship directors. A GoogleDrive with resources will be accessible to all students on our AMTAS website and will be updated annually. Scholarships & Fundraisers The AMTAS board coordinated and facilitated multiple fundraisers throughout the fall to fund student scholarships. Five STARS award scholarships were awarded to qualified students, one regional fund was given to the Mid-Western Regional chapter, and one president's challenge award was provided. One ongoing fundraiser is the AMTAS Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/amtas), which holds t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, posters, and tote bags with the AMTAS logo and raises funds to support students nationally! |
