In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would prohibit an induvial from practicing music therapy or holding themselves out as music therapists, without holding a valid certification.

The profession of music therapy formally began after World War I and World War II when live music was provided for veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients' notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. But it became clear that music therapists are far more than being talented musicians, they are clinicians.

Today, Pennsylvania currently hosts 10 higher education music therapy programs including: Drexel, Duquesne, Elizabethtown, Immaculata, Marywood, Mercyhurst, Seton Hill, Slippery Rock, Temple, and West Chester University; each demonstrating the desire of our students to learn and practice Music Therapy in Pennsylvania.

With this legislation we define a “Music Therapist” as an individual who is certified through and holds a valid credential from the Certified Board for Music Therapists, or a successor organization, to practice music therapy. We further define music therapy and establish the general rules to protect both our practitioners and patients to ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to this vital form of therapy.

As a music teacher and performer for more than three decades, I have personally seen the positive effects music has on individuals no matter their physical or mental needs. Please join me in supporting this legislation.