Therapeutic Musician Training Programs

There are basically four types of therapeutic musician training programs, college degree, classroom-taught, online with regular classes and online self-paced.

The National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM) is the official accrediting board for the healing music profession.
 

(1) College Degree programs:

The Chalice of Repose offers certificates in Contemplative Musicianship and Music Thanatology and a master's degree in music thanatology. They are based out of Mt. Angel, Oregon. I don't know anyone personally who has participated in these programs, but Therese Schroeder-Sheker is very highly respected in the field.

(2) Programs with classroom sessions:

The International Harp Therapy Program (IHTP) run by Tina Tourin differs a little from other programs in that frequently the patient is involved in playing the harp too. Modules are taught at various locations around the world. I don't know anyone who has graduated from this program, but I have had workshops from Tina at Harp Conferences and she is a good instructor. This program is intended for  harpists and is accredited by NSBTM (the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians).

The Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) is the original and probably the biggest training program. Modules are taught at many locations. I know a number of graduates of this program and all were happy with their training. If classes are not close to you, it could require a lot of travel (and related expenses). This program accepts many instruments and voice for healing musician training and is accredited by NSBTM.

 (3) Online Program with regular classes:

 The International Healing Musician's Program (IHMP) is run by Stella Benson (a former board member and instructor for MHTP). This is the program I am currently enrolled in. Classes meet once a week in a conference call using Skype on our computers. Homework is done and quizzes are taken online. I chose this program because of the cost, the fact I do not have to travel to classes and my personal problem of failing to discipline myself in Independent Study programs -- I work much better with deadlines. This program accepts any instruments, but most are harpists. This program is accredited by NSBTM.

(4) Online Program with independent study:

 The Clinical Musicians Home Study Course was started by Laurie Riley (also one of the founding members of MHTP) and is now run by Dee Sweeney in Denver. This program is self-paced. I know several graduates of this program who were very pleased with it, but they said it takes a lot of self-discipline to stick with it. This program is also accredited by NSBTM.