A new bill, that has been approved by the Rhode Island House of Representatives, will treat a state registry of music therapists. This means that after January 1, 2015, music therapists certified by the CBMT with at least a bachelors degree must register with the state to offer their services. This is important because it brings a new level of well deserved respect to the profession.
A common misconception is that music played for people in need qualifies as music therapy. While well intentioned volunteers can provide a valuable service to suffering individuals, music therapy is specifically performed by a train music therapist. Only a professional, with the proper background and preparation, can produce the results attributed to music therapy.
The Rhode Island music therapy registry will be a great victory for music therapy. This is exciting news indeed.
http://www.warwickonline.com/stories/House-OKs-bill-to-create-state-registry-of-music-therapists,91094?category_id=4&content_class=1&town_id=1&sub_type=stories