Global Music Therapy Project

HELP WANTED: Ethnomusic Therapy Media Assistant
Dates: Approximately July 6 – July 23, 2026
Locations: Italy, Croatia, Bosnia, and Turkey
Project: Make Your Life a Musical (International Field Study)

The Mission: We are seeking a creative, media-savvy assistant to join an 18-20-day cinematic expedition across the Mediterranean and Balkans.

As the Director of the Global Music Therapy Project (GMTP), I am heading to the 18th WFMT World Congress in Bologna to interview and record music therapists and those using music therapeutically from around the world. We will include some of the songs they use and how they use them.

This content will be featured on our podcast, Make Your Life a Musical, and our YouTube channel, with a final selection of songs professionally published on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Our goal is to explore the intersection of Ethnomusicology and Music Therapy, capturing how music is being used therapeutically across the globe.

Approximate Itinerary:
Phase 1: The WFMT Congress (Bologna, Italy | July 7–12): Six days of intensive clinical networking. We will interview and record music therapists from across the globe.
Phase 2: Croatia | July 13–16
Phase 3: Bosnia | July 17–20
Phase 4: Turkey | July 21–23

Requirements:
Clinical Understanding: Must be a Music Therapist (MT-BC), Intern, Student, or someone with a deep conceptual grasp of music therapy and the GMTP mission.

Tech & Social Savvy: Familiar with (or highly trainable in) mobile audio/video recording, podcasting workflows, and high-impact social media content creation.

Travel Prowess: You must love travel and be prepared to pivot with grace when plans change. You must possess a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of July 2026.

Cultural Stewardship: You must be willing to deeply respect the cultures in which we are traveling and enthusiastically record the words and work of those using music therapeutically.

The Vibe: We are looking for someone creative, flexible, social, and willing to work hard during shoot days while enjoying evenings full of cultural discovery.

Compensation:

Travel: All international and regional flights, trains, and ferries are covered.

Lodging: All accommodations are provided ranging from efficient conference stays, hostels, and at least one indulgent hotel for rest and recovery.

WFMT Registration: Full registration for the World Congress of Music Therapy in Italy is included.

Stipend: A daily food stipend for the duration of the 18-20-day trip.

To Apply:
Please send a brief introductory letter and your CV to [email protected]

In your letter, please highlight your background in music therapy, your comfort level with media/podcasting, and why you are the ideal partner for this global ethnomusic therapy mission.
For further reference on our mission and an idea of what we’re seeking, please check out our video from 2015 here: https://youtu.be/bT0Y9aH-QpQ

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Please Note – Proposal Submissions Are Still Open!

There is still time to submit proposals for a range of interactive and experiential formats at the IAMM 2026 Conference, including:

• Workshops
• Committee meetings
• Special symposia
• Round table discussions
• Other experiential and participatory offerings

These sessions are a vital part of the conference, creating space for dialogue, collaboration, skill-building, and the exchange of diverse cultural and professional perspectives within music and medicine.

Whether you are working in research, clinical practice, education, community-based projects, or interdisciplinary innovation, we encourage you to contribute and help shape a dynamic, globally informed program.

🗓 Submission deadline: March 1st

👉 https://www.iammonline.com/iamm2026abstracts

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Barbara L. Wheeler, PhD, MT-BC. Dr. Wheeler was a pioneer in the field of music therapy, and her passion for her work was seen by all. Barbara has authored several books, developed curriculum, and advocated for many music therapy programs worldwide. Her impact will carry on far beyond her Earthly days.

We offer condolences to the family, and wish to say...Thank you, Dr. Wheeler for all you have done for our profession, we will miss you greatly 💙🎶

Learn more about Dr. Wheeler here: https://barbarawheelermt.com/about/

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Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Watch the full interview on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts.

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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring music therapy powerhouses Julie Guy and Angela Neve Meier from The Music Therapy Center of California, Inc.

These two bring decades of experience and powerful insight on how to use music to enhance social stories, build a musically rich environment at home, and foster stronger collaboration across your child’s entire support team.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist—you’ll walk away with practical tools and a whole lot of inspiration.
Watch or listen now and let the music lead the way!

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