The World Federation of Music Therapy, Incorporated is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the state of North Carolina, USA. Its aim is to promote music therapy throughout the world.
What is WFMT?
The World Federation of Music Therapy was formally established in Genoa, Italy in 1985, born out of a common vision among international music therapists to promote the profession globally. Among the ten founding members were Rolando Benenzon (Argentina), Giovannia Mutti (Italy), Jacques Jost (France) Barbara Hesser (USA), Amelia Oldfield (UK), Ruth Bright (Australia), Heinrich Otto Moll (Germany), Rafael Colon (Puerto Rico), Clementina Nastari (Brazil), and Tadeusz Natanson (Poland).
Lastest definition of Music Therapy by WFMT
"Music therapy is a professional discipline that uses music-based experiences, such as listening, singing, playing instruments or improvisation, to promote health, well-being, capacity and development at a personal and social level.
It is delivered by trained professionals within a therapeutic relationship and is an adaptable, inclusive, therapeutic modality that serves individuals, groups and communities across clinical, educational, cultural and virtual settings.
Music therapy practice is research-based, shaped by professional education and clinical training, guided by ethical responsibility and informed by social, cultural and political context."
(WFMT, 2026).
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The World Federation of Music Therapy envisions a world where music therapy is universally accessible, culturally integrated and professionally recognised. The Federation aspires to support and empower a united global community of music therapists, with a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and innovation in practice, research and education.
We are committed to advancing the global development, accessibility and recognition of music therapy. It promotes scientific research, evidence-informed innovative practices and advocates for quality education and training. It offers platforms for cross-cultural learning and continued professional development where a broad range of stakeholders in the global music therapy community exchange the most current research, practices and knowledge.
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The WFMT embodies the values of:
Integrity and Trustworthiness - as it is committed to fostering a culture of fairness, ensuring transparency, and upholding accountability in all its actions.
Ethical Responsibility - as it is committed to upholding ethical conduct in all professional and human activities within music therapy, prioritizing the overall well-being and dignity of individuals across all communities.
Human Rights and Well-being - as it affirms that safety, dignity, education and holistic well-being are universal human rights.
Inclusivity and Diversity - as it embraces and respects cultural, regional and professional differences in music therapy practices worldwide and within the global music therapy communities.
Potential of Music - as it recognizes music’s ability to support therapeutic goals, enhance well-being and foster meaningful connection.
Knowledge Exchange and Professionalism - as it advocates for competence in music therapy practice, education and research, and facilitates global knowledge exchange and continuous professional development.
Innovation and Adaptability - as it supports and embraces the use of emerging technologies to enhance music therapy practice, education, and research in an evolving world.
Collaboration and Partnership - as it fosters international connections and interdisciplinary collaborations to strengthen the global music therapy community.
Advocacy and Global Impact - as it works to increase awareness and promote wider access to music therapy around the world.
WFMT is governed by a group of elected Officers and Commissioners. Additionally, eight Regional Liaisons are appointed by the Council to represent the WFMT within defined regions of the world.
Started in 2008, the Lifetime Membership Award honors an individual nominated and voted upon by Council who is deemed to have made significant contributions to the field of music therapy. In 2014, additional awards were incorporated to develop the WFMT Recognition Program (click button below to learn more). In 2017, the award was renamed to the Lifetime Achievement Award to clarify the significance of the honor. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients enjoy honorary life membership in the WFMT.
for her 50 years of transformative global service to music therapy, pioneering trauma-informed programs in conflict zones like Palestine and Kenya, leading WFMT's Global Crises Intervention Commission, and mentoring generations of students and clinicians through decades of teaching, research, and international advocacy.
