Indiana Wesleyan Students advocate for state recognized standards for music therapy

Indiana Wesleyan University music therapy faculty and students traveled to the Indiana Statehouse on Feb 10 to advocate for state recognized standards during Music Therapy Advocacy Week.

Music therapy professor Dr. Barnard said the goal was to help lawmakers understand the need for consistent qualifications for providers.

“Right now there’s no consistent standard for who’s qualified to provide music therapy,” Barnard said.

Professor Miller said state recognition would protect both clients and the profession. Miller said unqualified individuals can claim the title without clinical training or certification.

Music therapists have pursued licensure in Indiana for several years but reconsidered their approach this session from proposing changes in a bill. Faculty said the current legislative climate has shifted toward reducing licensure requirements.

Advocates focused their attention on building relationships and promoting provider standards as a step toward long-term recognition. Miller said the short legislative session made relationship-building especially important this year.

Music therapy student Justin Fischer said many people misunderstand the profession.

“There are so many facets that are not really well known because it is such a small profession,” Fischer said.

Fischer said music therapy can support motor rehabilitation, emotional development and coping skills across different populations. Fischer said the field combines music training with psychology and clinical observation.

Student Bryan Crossman said advocacy helps address confusion about qualifications. Crossman said anyone can currently claim the title of music therapist without certification, which can affect public trust.

Faculty and students met with State Rep. Lori Goss Reaves during the visit. Participants talked about strategies for gaining future legislative support and continuing advocacy efforts.

Music therapy advocates from across Indiana attended the event. The faculty said the annual Hill Day allows professionals to meet legislators and share what music therapists do and why state issued recognition is important.

Miller said a good amount of music therapists and students participated statewide. Six people represented Indiana Wesleyan University.

Miller said this was the first year students attended the event with the program.

Division of Music Chair Davy Chinn said the experience helps students connect classroom learning with public policy. Chinn said advocacy prepares students to represent the profession after graduation.

Barnard said lawmakers were often receptive and interested in learning more. Barnard said legislators often want to understand how music therapy benefits families in their districts, and usually people from different districts meet with their particular representative.

Faculty said advocacy will continue through future Hill Day visits and communication with legislators. Miller said building relationships now supports future policy proposals.

Students said the trip highlighted the role advocacy plays in shaping the future of the profession. Faculty said continued awareness is imperative as music therapy continues to grow nationwide.