The inaugural lecture in the Carol Hampton Bitcon Series at the 2010 AMTA conference in Cleveland featured Honorary Life Members Alan Solomon and Ken Medema in a unique blend of music, history, and audience involvement in Pioneers, Generations, & Memories: Music Therapy’s Diamond Anniversary. Enjoy listening to this AMTA-Pro podcast as Alan Solomon captures the spirit of celebration for a full-house of music therapists, ranging from undergraduate students to therapists with up to 50 years experience. After listening to Alan’s historical overview of our profession, click on part 2 of this unique lecture – an incredible musical salute by Ken Medema to the past 60 years with a finale that launches us into the future.

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On June 2, 1950, twenty-two diverse individuals met in New York City to fulfill a charge from the Music Teachers National Association: to approve a constitution and bylaws for a new association that would pursue “the progressive development of the use of music in medicine.” This meeting put into motion a remarkable series of events, one that has been a stunning journey for many of us. Occasionally we need to look back, take stock of our achievements, and celebrate all that we have accomplished together. A 60th anniversary is just such a time. So we mark this milestone occasion by taking a look back together at the leaders and significant events that have shaped the Association, our professionals lives, and even our future.

Carol Hampton Bitcon was a pioneer, leader and colleague in the music therapy community for over 50 years. She served the profession tirelessly and inspired and influenced the lives of countless students, interns, professionals, clients, friends, and family members. Carol generously bequeathed $20,000 to fund an exciting lecture series, and we are privileged to offer this inaugural lecture for the 60th Anniversary of Music Therapy.