Norwegian Music Therapy Association

The Norwegian Music Therapy Association (NMTA) was founded in 1972. The primary goal of this association is to establish the music therapy practice and to promote the understanding of music therapy in Norway. NMTA co-operates with different music organisations to attain a better musical offer for persons with distinctive needs. Since 1981, NMTA has been a associate of the Council for Music societies in Norway. This gives the right to financial support from the Government and funding for courses. The association has its own development committee that arranges courses both for other disciplines and interest groups and for the members of the association. In addition to this, they arrange conferences and have been in authority for several projects. NMTA has its own periodical with editorial members. The periodical "Musikkterapi" has 4 publications for a year and contains music therapy articles and essays, interviews, information, book-reviews etc. NMTA has about 380 members, in addition to music therapists and music therapy students, the members represent a broad spectrum of disciplines like special pedagogues, teachers, music workers, doctors, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers etc., and occupational groups within various types of organised musical and cultural offers. In addition to this, about 150 schools, libraries, colleges and institutions subscribe to the periodical.