Factors influencing music therapists to join, or not join, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Abstract

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is the membership organization for music therapists that strives to develop and support the music therapy profession. Professional membership in the AMTA has been declining in recent years, though the number of credentialed music therapists is increasing. The objective of this research study was to determine what factors influence music therapists to join, or not join, the AMTA. The survey consisted of close and open- ended questions to gather the demographics of participants; the factors that influenced their decision to purchase, or not purchase membership; how participants view the benefits that membership in AMTA provides; and what participants want to see AMTA accomplish to increase membership. Out of the 7,958 music therapists that were eligible to participate, 1,262 completed the survey. Current members, and individuals planning on renewing in 2020 accounted for 49.88% of the sample; former members accounted for 43.38% of the sample; and respondents who have never been members of AMTA accounted for 6.74% of the sample. Receiving member benefits was the most common factor that influenced membership for current members, individuals renewing, and former members. Former members and respondents who have never been members cited the cost of membership, the lack of cost-benefit, and the perceived lack of benefits as factors for not renewing, or not purchasing membership.