Scope of Practice
Purpose: To define the application of live therapeutic music as it is presented in healthcare delivery of services by a Certified Music Practitioner as a graduate of MHTP or by a student of MHTP.
The definitions listed below represent the Scope of Practice of a Certified Music Practitioner.
1. Patient Interaction
A CMP:
A. Uses Heart-Centered Awareness or another suitable transpersonal process to be centered in oneself, open and receptive to the patient’s physical, emotional and/or spiritual needs that may be supported with live therapeutic music.
B. Approaches the patient from the stance of being of service, rather than as a performer.
C. Assesses the patient and the patient’s environment objectively and subjectively.
D. Refrains from proselytizing religious or political beliefs through choice of music or speech during a therapeutic music session.
E. Refrains from utilizing music or the musical instrument in a manner that solicits patient participation.
F. Uses only simple statements for self-introduction, patient orientation to the therapeutic music session, and for obtaining the patient’s permission when initiating the session and during the session.
G. Refers patient needs to other members of the healthcare team when the needs are not within the Scope of Practice of a CMP.
2. Musical Proficiency
A CMP:
A. Plays or sings in tune, with good intonation, and appropriate musical expression and dynamics.
B. Plays appropriate repertoire.
C. Is able to improvise on modes, scales and chord progressions as appropriate to the instrument used and with appropriate transitions.
D. Can extend and adapt musical pieces to differing rhythm, meter and tempo as required by the patient’s condition in the moment.
E. Has a basic understanding of music theory.
F. Understands and uses silence as an integral part of each musical offering.
3. Ethical and Professional Behavior
A CMP:
A. Adheres to the MHTP Code of Ethics and Conduct.
B. Practices within healthcare protocol, etiquette, and the facility’s policies, structure and procedures.
C. Demonstrates a responsible attitude about personal identification, documentation, scheduling, infection control, hospital equipment and privacy.
D. Maintains patient rights, as well as confidentiality, within HIPAA rules.
E. Works harmoniously and unobtrusively with the healthcare team.
F. Obtains referrals following appropriate protocols.
G. Responds appropriately to public inquiries about the profession of Certified Music Practitioner and therapeutic musicianship.
H. Conducts information-sharing sessions (in-services, etc.) providing accurate and appropriate information about, and within the scope of, therapeutic music, while always respecting the intellectual property rights of MHTP. Assesses one’s own behavior and performance in the light of professional and ethical standards.
I. Regularly practices a form of self-care which fosters self-development and self-understanding,
and provides a method to relieve the emotional and physical stresses of working in a therapeutic environment.
J. Strengthens practice as a Certified Music Practitioner through continuing education as strongly encouraged by MHTP.
4. Education:
A. Courses of study include but are not limited to: understanding the basics of healthcare and terminology, clinical protocols, hospital etiquette, deepening perceptual awareness, physics of sound, fundamentals of music theory, the effects of sound and music on human physiology, understanding palliative and curative care and music presentation.
B. Having met the requirements for graduation, CMPs are strongly encouraged to remain current on research and new developments in the field of therapeutic music. As of January 1, 2015, all CMPs who graduated between 1996 and the end of 2014 are required to obtain 40 hours of approved CEUs every four years from their graduation year to be recognized publicly as Certified Music Practitioners by MHTP on the MHTP website and elsewhere. These CMPs will NOT lose their certification if they do not maintain CEUs. Students graduating after January 1, 2015, are required to obtain 40 hours of approved CEUs every four years from their graduation date to maintain their certification as a Certified Music Practitioner and to be listed on the MHTP website. Otherwise their certification will expire.
Public protection mechanism and disclaimer
Any person representing himself or herself as a Certified Music Practitioner shall practice within the MHTP Scope of Practice as defined above and adhere to the MHTP Code of Ethics and Conduct. Any complaints made by the public against the CMP should be brought to the attention of the MHTP Board of Directors for investigation and possible disciplinary action.
Any person representing himself or herself as a Certified Music Practitioner must hold the credential awarded by MHTP, an international educational certification program which is accredited through the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians➚.
Are you ready to begin your journey?
Students of MHTP and CMPs must understand, sign, and strictly adhere to the MHTP Scope of Practice for our profession. Apply to be a student with MHTP.