The World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 WFMT Recognition Program. This program honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of music therapy through education, practice, research and advocacy.
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.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual with a distinguished career in music therapy, reflecting exceptional contributions to the profession. Please note that this is the only award for which both nominations and voting are carried out within the WFMT Council.
During the 2023–2026 term, new award categories are introduced to celebrate members of our global community including students, young professionals, authors, collaborators and those providing outstanding service in times of crisis for their work and dedication to the field of music therapy.
We invite our global community to celebrate excellence and dedication by nominating deserving candidates for the following awards:
WFMTÂ Recognition Program Awards
- Research/Special Projects Award: Honors a music therapist who has made a significant contribution to the development of the profession through a specific research study or scholarly project.
- Advocate of Music Therapy Award: Recognizes a person who has made major contributions to the promotion of music therapy in an area of the world where the profession is less established.
- Service Award: Honors a music therapist who provides significant service to the profession of music therapy through work related to the WFMT.
- Clinical Impact Award: Recognizes a music therapist who has had a long-term impact on advancing the knowledge and practice of music therapy within a specific clinical area or population.
- Crisis Response Award: Honors a music therapist who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication by providing critical support and advancing the profession in challenging or high-risk global situations.
- Outstanding Publication Award: Recognizes a significant publication that has substantially contributed to the advancement and growth of the music therapy field.
- Outstanding Student of Music Therapy Award: Recognizes an outstanding student who exemplifies the ideal qualities of a future music therapist both academically and personally.
- Young Professional Award: Recognizes early-career music therapy professionals who have demonstrated exceptional promise and commitment in the field.
- Collaborative Award: Recognizes music therapists from different countries or cultures who have collaborated on projects, research, or community crisis work.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Detailed eligibility criteria and nomination procedures for each award category can be found on the WFMT Recognition Program page. Please review the specific requirements for the award(s) you wish to nominate a candidate for.
Nominations must be submitted by October 5th, 11:59 PM Toronto time. Late submissions will not be considered.
How to Nominate
To submit a nomination, please complete the online nomination form available on the Recognition Program page. Ensure that all required documents and supporting materials are included to facilitate the review process.
Celebrate Excellence in Music Therapy
The WFMT Recognition Program is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals who have advanced the field of music therapy. By nominating a candidate, you contribute to the global recognition of excellence and inspire others to continue their dedication to the profession.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the remarkable contributions of our community.
For any questions or further information, please contact the WFMT Secretary at secretary@wfmt.info.
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