Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy

The purpose of the Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy (WCMT) is the advancement of music therapy as a professional discipline in the state of Wisconsin.

WCMT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and is organized exclusively for educational purposes.  WCMT cooperates in the advancement of the purpose as stated in the Bylaws of the Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association, Incorporated.

WCMT Mission Statement

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy is committed to supporting students and professionals in the field of music therapy by advocating, educating and creating access to quality music therapy services.

WCMT Timeline 1973-2018

45 Years of Excellent Music Therapy in Wisconsin

1973 - Formation of WCMT

April 16, 1973 A meeting of Judy Cernicka, Cheryl Gumm, Christine Petrykowski, Barbara Rau, Beverly Rubin, Rose Washington was held under the advice of Leo Muskatevc and Sr. Josepha Schorsch to discuss the possibility with Eau Claire therapists to establish a state group for music therapy.

The first meeting of the Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy was held on April 28, 1973 at the Great Lakes Region for Music Therapy of the National Association for Music Therapy in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Founding members include S. Josepha Schorsch, Beverly Rubin, Rose Washington, Rosemary Roehnsch, Louise Delgado, Janet Lyle, Bruce Prueter, Barry Levine, Ginni Smith, Dale Taylor, Pat Slowiak, Connie Graff, Kathleen Vanderwort, Diane Ceolla, Thomas Watson, Dave Meyer, Faith Johnson, Kris Krier, S. Kathleen Roterrik, Gary Martin, Karen Krueger, Jocelyn Boor, Rita Millett, Andrea Davis, Jean Woods, Anna Muskatevc, Leo Muskatevc, Mary Middendorf, and David Meyer.

1976 - National Conference in Milwaukee

The National Association for Music Therapy hosted their Annual Conference in Milwaukee at the Marc Plaza Hotel October 20-23rd, 1976.

1980 - Picnic

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy hosts its first picnic at Doctor’s Park in Milwaukee.

1995 - First CMTE

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy sponsor’s it’s first ever CMTE offering on Grant Writing for the Music Therapist by Eric Thelen from Marquette University.

1997 - Begins sponsoring 2 CMTEs annually

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy begins sponsoring 2 CMTE workshops per year.

1998 - WMTR Credential created

Wisconsin Music Therapists were successful in passing legislation to create the first state registry for Art, Dance, and Music Therapists, creating the credential WMTR, the first of it’s kind in the nation.

2002 - Own Website

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy creates its own Website.

2005 - New website, own domain name

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy creates a new website with it’s own domain name.

2006 - Directory for Consumers

A Networking directory is created increasing access to consumers that are looking for music therapy services in Wisconsin.

2007 - Paid Advertisement

The Wisconsin Chapter for Music Therapy takes out a paid advertisement in Metroparent Magazine.

2018 - In April WCMT celebrated 45 years as a chapter