Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP)
Training in the practice of therapeutic music for harpists, pianists, singers, guitarists, flutists and other musicians.
Mission Statement
We will offer high quality, affordable, accessible, and flexible accredited therapeutic musician training and certification for musicians.
Background Information
What is therapeutic music? Watch this informational video.
Research on the effect of music : National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians website
Heather Olson, Certified Therapeutic Musician in Western Canada
Click here to view a video by Chloe Beaumont-Field, a graduate of CMCP.
Value of remote therapeutic music sessions during COVID-19: An article describing the work of Susan Carol, a CMCP graduate during COVID
Patient reactions to therapeutic music
Therapeutic Music in Australia
Quotes from Students and Graduates
The importance of being a professional
APPLY NOW FOR CMCP LEVEL 1 OR LEVEL 2
About our program
The Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP) is an independent study program that leads to certification as a certified therapeutic musician, with the title Certified Clinical Musician (CCM). The program has students and graduates throughout the United States, Canada and around the world. The program is based on scientific studies of the effect of sound and avoids mysticism and speculation. CMCP respects the private individual spirituality of its students, so the materials are deliberately religion neutral, compatible with all belief systems (including Judeo-Christian beliefs). encouraging students to study therapeutic music ministry in light of their own individual belief systems.
The course is appropriate for intermediate and skilled musicians alike who want the flexibility of self-paced independent study at a reasonable cost with no required meeting times or travel. Students must be comfortable and have basic skills with their instrument. (Beginning music skills are not taught in CMCP.) While students work independently to complete the course, they are not alone. They receive personalized support from an experienced CMCP authorized mentor and the program director. Videos and recorded conferences calls provide expanded educational opportunities on multiple topics to students and graduates of the program. Online book studies and roundtables provide opportunity to connect with other students and graduates of CMCP.
Students who are graduates of another clinical music training program or who have extensive experience in playing at the bedside in a clinical setting may qualify for a Modified Requirements Track by meeting the prerequisites. Please contact the home office for more details.
The Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP) was developed in 2002 by Laurie Riley, a pioneer in the field of clinical music. It has been accredited by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM) since 2008. CMCP continues to build on the solid foundation established by Laurie Riley's original course. CMCP mentors, located throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy, are Certified Clinical Musicians who bring many years of collective experience in the field from various backgrounds.
The optional CMCP Level 3, added in 2023, offers advanced training in the theory and practice of Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy (utilizing the harp) and Vibroacoustic Therapeutic Music (utilizing instruments other than the harp). CMCP Level 3 is available to qualified graduates of CMCP Level 2, music therapists, and graduates of other NSBTM accredited therapeutic music training programs
It is recommended that students complete the Public Music for Medical Environments (PMME) course before beginning CMCP.
Come explore the world of therapeutic music and be a healing presence to those in need.
Mary Stevens, Program Director
TUITION COST:
CMCP Level 1: $775 plus a non-refundable $50 application fee
CMCP Level 2: $775 (No application fee if student has completed CMCP Level 1 within the 12 months prior to enrollment in CMCP Level 2.)
CMCP Level 3: $775 (No application fee. Graduation from a NSBTM accredited therapeutic music training program or a music therapy program is required.)
Students are required to cover the cost of additional required reading materials for CMCP Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
