Proposals for conference sessions or CMTE sessions at regional or national music therapy conferences go through a blind review process, so everyone starts out on an equal footing. But some proposals are more likely to be chosen than others for specific reasons. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, regional representatives on AMTA’s Continuing Education Committee share numerous practical tips for developing and submitting strong proposals. The podcast speakers discuss considerations when selecting a topic and when writing the title, abstract, learning objectives, and description of a conference session. All music therapists are encouraged to consider sharing their experiences and expertise in a conference session or CMTE session, and this AMTA-Pro podcast gives a strong start to the process whether you are a seasoned pro or just now getting up the courage to write a conference proposal.

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Tips for Submitting Strong Conference Proposals

AMTA-Pro Podcast + March, 2019

Some regional members of AMTA’s Continuing Education Committee gathered around the AMTA-Pro microphone to share some ideas for developing proposals for regional or national conference sessions or for CMTE sessions. Proposals for conference sessions or CMTE sessions at regional or national music therapy conferences go through a blind review process, so everyone starts out on an equal footing. But some proposals are more likely to be chosen than others for specific reasons. In this AMTA-Pro podcast, regional representatives on AMTA’s Continuing Education Committee share numerous practical tips for developing and submitting strong proposals. The podcast speakers discuss considerations when selecting a topic and when writing the title, abstract, learning objectives, and description of a conference session. All music therapists are encouraged to consider sharing their experiences and expertise in a conference session or CMTE session, and this AMTA-Pro podcast gives a strong start to the process whether you are a seasoned pro or just now getting up the courage to write a conference proposal.

 Note that the entire CEC committee developed the podcast presented by these five members of the committee. You will find contact information for each regional member of AMTA’s Continuing Education Committee below. 

Kellee Coviak Hansen, MS, MT-BC is the founder and Executive Director of CODA Music Therapy Services, LLC in Lansing, MI.  She maintains certifications in both music therapy and music education and is involved in the leadership of numerous professional organizations.  She has served as the Great Lakes Region Continuing Education Co-Representative since 2017.

Natalie Generally Kirk, LPMT, MMEd, MT-BC is the owner of Small Steps Music, LLC in Georgia.  Natalie currently serves on the AMTA Board of Directors as the Council Coordinator for Professional Practices and has served as SER-AMTA Chair of Continuing Education since 2012.

Jean Nemeth, Ph.D, MT-BC. Jean’s 35-year clinical career has focused on serving public school children with special needs. Long active in AMTA, she has held numerous positions both regionally & nationally, culminating in her recent tenure as AMTA Vice President. She is the proud recipient of two NER and one National Service Awards. A frequent regional and national presenter, Jean is a contributing author to AMTA’s publication: Effective Clinical Practice in Music Therapy: Early Childhood & School Age Educational Settings. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the training of future music therapists.

Julie Andring, Ph.D, MSA, MT-BC has long been an active member of NERfor over 30 years.  Julie is a private practice music therapy clinician working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Julie is Co-Chair of the AMTA Continuing Education Committee.

AMTA CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE CONTACT LIST 

Note: This list is current in November, 2018. Check with your AMTA region for updates. 

Co-Chair: Charlie Seamans <cseamanmt@gmail.com>

Co-Chair: Julie Andring, PhD, MT-BC <jamusictherapy@optonline.net>

 Great Lakes: Bernadette Skodack, MT-BC <bsko.mtbc@gmail.com>, Kellee Coviak Hansen, MS, MT-BC <kcoviak@gmail.com>,  <glr.ce.rep@gmail.com>

 New England:

Southeastern: Natalie Generally, MMEd, LPMT, MT-BC <natalie@smallstepsmusicllc.com>

 Southwestern: Jennifer Townsend, MMT, MT-BC <jtownsend.mtbc@gmail.com>

 Midwestern: Rebekah Stewart, MA, MT-BC <rkstewart86@gmail.com>,

 Western: Emily Polichette, MM, SCMT, MT-BC <emilypolichette@gmail.com>, <wramta.ced@gmail.com>

Mid-Atlantic:  Clare Arezina, MME, MT-BC, CCLS <maramtacmte@gmail.com>

AMTAS Representative:  Jordan Marshall <jmarshall004@drury.edu>