European music therapy and the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC) in present and future

 Ilse Wolfram <sup>1

1</sup> Federal Association of Music Therapy, Bremen, Germany

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Abstract

Up to know, the theory and practice of music therapy in Europe shows many faces – depending on the theoretical background of therapeutic concepts, on the methods and techniques stemming from them, and of course on the need of the clientele and the therapeutic goal either embedded in prevention, cure, rehabilitation and palliative medicine. An estimated number of about 5.000 music therapy professionals are working in all areas of the health system, social institutions and counselling sectors. The profession itself is, though highly appreciated, not fully officially recognized in regard to the title protection and its standing within the remuneration system. Therefore, the European Higher Education Area, resulting in comparable training degrees, represents an enormous value to the varying training levels in the European countries. The results of the Bologna treaty will contribute towards a more consistent and qualitative direction. Already now, more than 70% of the music therapy training courses throughout Europe have reached the required standard of being accredited on BA and/or MA level.

The European Music Therapy Confederation (http://www.musictherapyworld.de) was founded in 1989 following the directive of EU to recognize postgraduate qualifications. Its mission is to foster exchange and collaboration between the member countries and to work actively for the promotion of further development of professional practice in Europe. Today, the EMTC includes delegates from 23 countries who function as a continuous liaison between the EMTC and the national organizations. As body, it is an asbl after Belgian laws recognized on EU level in 2004.

The EMTC realizes its mission through general assemblies, triennial professional congresses, an up-to-date research register, and a European Music Therapist Register (EMTR) the standards of which are in the course of being decided upon.