Part 2 of Making Connections with Music Therapy – Featuring Amanda Latham Board Certified Music Therapist

For a time, Amanda was a member of the NJ State Task Force on Occupational Regulation (NJSTF). The goal of the NJSTF was to advocate for the music therapy profession and convince legislators to pass the Music Therapist Licensing Act. The bill would ensure that music therapists receive specific credentialing requirements to work in their profession. The profession of music therapy serves victims of abuse, those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chronic Pain, Eating Disorders, Developmental Disabilities and more.

To achieve the title of Board Certified Music Therapist (CB-MT), it begins with a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in music therapy, approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). They would also have to achieve an entry-level competency in music, clinical therapy, and music therapy foundations. From there, they are required to accrue a total of at least 1200 hours of supervised clinical training, including a supervised internship. Once these educational and clinical training requirements are meet, they next need to pass the national board exam given by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. It is at that point they are a Board Certified Music Therapist. Among the universities that send their students to accrue hours of supervised clinical training, was Amanda’s alma mater, Montclair State University.

With one of their graduates established at Harbor and Alpha, Montclair has been sending students to complete fieldwork by observing two classes per week. It adds up to 60 field hours, 30 per week. They quickly graduate to writing session plans and then take over groups. Eventually, someone from the university comes to observe them.

As far as our students are concerned, the future is reflected in those students who are making the all-important transition, either as graduates or as members of the adult day program. Harbor and Alpha students join us as early as age 5 and sometimes stay with us as long as age 21. 

It is unfortunate, according to Amanda, that there is very little music therapy opportunities once a special needs student transitions into adult life. However, here at Harbor and Alpha, there is plenty to look forward to.

Like any school, we have our Winter and Spring Concerts. Every class performs a routine. We have a dance group that performs, as well. All of our special groups, which train all year, will have something prepared, including Chorus, Hand Bells, Rhythm Band, and High School Band. We are so very fortunate to have Amanda Latham, not only as our Music Teacher/Music Specialist but as a leader in her field.