I’m thrilled to share that Oxford University Press has curated a special collection honoring the American Music Therapy Association’s 75th Anniversary—and our article, “Music therapy practice status and trends worldwide: An international survey study” (Kern & Tague, 2017), is included among the featured works. Being part of this collection is a true honor and a moment to reflect on how far our field has come—and where we’re headed next. Oxford Academic
Why this study mattered
Back in 2017, we surveyed 2,495 music therapists across six world regions to describe the profession’s demographics, practice patterns, and clinical trends. The study offered one of the broadest snapshots of global music therapy at the time and has been widely cited since for advocacy, training, and workforce planning.
Three important findings (in plain language)
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A seasoned, committed workforce—often juggling part-time roles
Many music therapists reported 6+ years of experience and a mature age profile, but also noted second jobs and dissatisfaction with pay—especially where services lack consistent funding or recognition. -
Where we work—and with whom
The most common settings worldwide were mental health, schools, and geriatric services, with caseloads often tied to where institutional and government funding exists. This aligns with thwide range of populations we serve across the lifespan. -
What sessions focus on—goals and techniques
Clinically, music therapists most often target communication, emotional, and social skills, using techniques such as singing/vocalization, instrument play, and improvisation—core processes that show up around the globe.
These findings still resonate today: they point to the heart of our work (relationship-centered, goal-oriented care) and the systems-level needs that affect access, funding, and recognition.
A 10-year follow-up is underway
In April 2025, we ran the survey again. We plan to share results at the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy in Bologna, Italy (July 8–12, 2026)—I can’t wait to discuss what’s changed (and what hasn’t) ten years on. WCMT 2026
How this connects to my day-to-day mission
While I love publishing research, my heart is also in direct service and creative resources for families:
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Music Makes Sense is my private music therapy practice, where I focus on accessible, evidence-informed, relationship-centered care.
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Through my publishing company, I have begun creating carefully curated coloring books, Memory journals, mindful puzzle books and themed composition books that celebrate music and imagination for budding artists and others who are young at heart. In my coloring books, each page is chosen from hundreds of candidates and staged from my own concepts (with a little AI assist) to support screen-free calm, fine-motor skills, and joyful engagement. And this is just the start! A new children's story book is coming soon!
If this work resonates with you, the most helpful thing you can do is share this post with a friend, family member, teacher, or clinician—and, if you’re local, reach out about services. Your support fuels both client care and our ongoing research.
Thank you!
Visit my practice: https://www.musicmakessense.com/
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