New York City Music Therapy Relief Project - Items of Interest

American Music Teacher, Dec, 2002

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) conducted a six-month New York City Music Therapy Relief Project, taking music therapy to those dealing with the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks.

The project was designed to provide music therapy services to children, seniors, victims' families, professional relief workers and therapists. Through twenty-five community programs, thirty-three professional music therapists facilitated more than 7,000 music therapy interventions in schools, senior centers, health care facilities and other locations throughout the metropolitan area.

"Our goal was to help those struggling with the aftermath of the attacks to reduce stress and cope with trauma through the focused use of music and music therapy interventions," says AMTA Executive Director Andrea Farbman.

This first phase of the project ran through June 2002. It received generous underwriting support from The Recording Academy.