Community Music Therapy in the United States: A Thematic Analysis

Community Music Therapy (CoMT) practices are continuing to develop within the international music therapy community. However, development and implementation of through a CoMT lens in United States has not been widely written about. Only handful published studies clinical reports detail programs that seemingly fit framework. In comparison more traditional approaches practice, underrepresented. This thematic analysis informed by hermeneutical method was undertaken begin dialogue with therapists who consider their practice fall boundaries CoMT, order increase awareness ways which principles being implemented US healthcare educational systems. We interviewed 6 board certified asking them 1) define 2) explain role relationships (therapist, client, community), 3) speculate on how approach work could influence health policy access services States. Our findings suggest participatory, performative, social action elements evident were interviewed, there is place for system.