MHTP’s training approach
A combination of features makes MHTP unique in its training approach.
Face-to-face, person-to-person, hands-on
All MHTP classes are LIVE. Live, experiential classes offer many benefits, with opportunities for questions, ideas, and music shared among fellow students and teachers, and life-long camaraderie of fellow students.
The final module (Module 5) consists of in-depth supervision by MHTP’s teachers who are all highly experienced medical professionals. This module prepares students to begin their independent clinical practicum through a clinical experience of playing/singing for patients in a hospital as part of the module experience. This culminating module brings therapeutic music theory into practice for students in a face-to-face, supportive manner. See descriptions of all MHTP module classes.
All Acoustic, Melodic Instruments
MHTP certifies vocalists and musicians who play a broad variety of acoustic, melodic instruments, and keyboards. Some examples are guitar, piano, voice, cello, double bass, violin, viola, various flutes, Native American style flute, recorders, dulcimers, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, hand pan, cornet, mandolin, autoharp, lyre, ukulele, harmonica, accordion,...the list goes on. Check out MHTP's blog, Live Therapeutic Music Instruments: Acoustic and Melodic, for more details.
If you don't see your instrument listed, contact mhtp@mhtp.org to inquire about it. You can also see types of instruments CMPs are certified in on the Hire a CMP page.
Regularly updated curriculum
MHTP professionally updates its curriculum annually to maintain currency with changes in healthcare, new research on music’s effects for healing, best business practices for this profession, and more.
A unique organizational structure among therapeutic music programs
MHTP is the only 501(c)(3) not-for-profit therapeutic musician training program, supported solely through tuition and donations.
Unlike other therapeutic music programs, MHTP has a working, volunteer Board of Directors who govern the organization, a CEO who runs day-to-day activities, a variety of other staff and contractors including MHTP’s faculty of highly-skilled and experienced teachers and advisors who are assigned to support each student through that student’s training. MHTP is deeply invested in helping each and every student succeed in their studies and after graduation.
Post-graduate assistance
There are many ways to keep in touch with MHTP graduates and for graduates to share with one another. These deep listening opportunities help MHTP Directors determine how they govern the program to continually improve it.
MHTP continues to develop many avenues for graduates to earn appropriate CEUs in cost-effective ways after graduation.
The biennial conference is offered in different locations, to present to MHTP students, CMPs, other therapeutic musicians, and anyone interested in therapeutic music, the latest findings in therapeutic uses of music; presentations by leaders in the field, both from a musical and a medical perspective; the opportunity to network, share, and make music with like-minded persons; and much more.
Are you ready to start your journey?
If MHTP is the program for you, then apply to be a student with MHTP.
Still wondering? See what questions other potential students have before they apply, and ask your own questions. Attend a live Q&A forum for becoming a Certified Music Practitioner via phone or videoconference. This is a great opportunity to try out the system that we utilize for our live videoconference modules.
Need answers now? We are happy to answer any questions you might have at any time. Please contact us.