About AZMTA

AZMTA promotes the professional interests and needs of Music Therapists, instilling ethical standards and professional growth of it's members, advocating for persons that would benefit from Music Therapy Services, and supporting the aims and objectives of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Executive Board
Upcoming Events
What is a Qualified Music Therapist?
AZMTA Member Benefits
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AZMTA Executive Board

Amelia Griner, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Amelia Griner is a board-certified music therapist raising her five children in Mesa, AZ. Her university studies were conducted at Brigham Young University Idaho and Arizona State University. After completing a 6-month internship at The Center for Discovery in Harris, NY, she received her Bachelor's of Music degree in music therapy in 2005.

Amelia has over 9 years of clinical experience working with children and young adults with varying abilities. She has also enjoyed over 15 years of teaching private piano, violin, viola, voice and guitar lessons. Becoming a mother to her own children has given her greater understanding and empathy for those in caregiving roles.

Some of her favorite pastimes include playing viola with the Arizona Millenial Choirs and Orchestras, playing games with family, cooking healthful meals, exercising with yoga, and reading. Amelia has had the privilege of being a general member of the AZMTA since 2004. In February 2022 she joined the AZMTA board as president. In this role she hopes to foster increased communication and collaboration among the music therapists in Arizona so that they may feel a greater sense of community.

Laura Rost, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Laura Rost obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music and minor in Psychology from the University of Montana in 2018, and is currently in pursuit of a Master's Degree in Music Therapy through Arizona State University. After completing a six month internship with the Arizona State Hospital in July, she is now employed there as part of the rehabilitation department. She has over 10 years of experience with private piano instruction, 4 years of private trumpet instruction, as well as experience playing in various wind ensembles, jazz bands, contemporary music ensembles, marching bands, and big band Latin-jazz ensembles. Her clinical hours at ASU allowed her opportunities to implement music therapy interventions with adults and adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities, adults with mental illness in a forensic setting, older adults in memory care, adults with mental illness and older adults with severe mental illness. She is a passionate advocate of our profession and hopes to foster greater connection in our community.

Vice President

azmta.vp@gmail.com

Sara Jane Klaus, MT-BC, NMT

Board Certified Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist

Sara Jane is a board-certified music therapist, currently practicing at Phoenix Children's. Her time in the pediatric medical setting includes working with patients and families in the ICU, hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant, MedSurg and rehab populations. Sara Jane completed her undergraduate degree in music therapy at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, and went on to Intern at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH. Prior to moving to Phoenix, Sara Jane worked with a music therapy nonprofit in North Carolina. Her focus was with neurodivergent individuals in both school and community programs.

She is passionate about advocating for music therapy's place in the medical setting and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team and community partners to best support her patients and families on their journey.

When not at work, Sara Jane enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the many coffee shops the Valley has to offer.

Secretary/Treasurer

azmta.secretary@gmail.com

Laura Pruett, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Laura Pruett graduated from California State University, Northridge with a bachelor's in music therapy in 2010. She worked in an acute psychiatric hospital and a skilled nursing facility while living in Long Beach. When her husband decided to finish his degree, they and their 2 cats moved to Phoenix in 2014. That's when Laura started a private practice, A Sound Agency, seeing music therapy clients and private music students. Her music therapy clients currently include early childhood groups, adults with special needs, and older adults with dementia and/or receiving hospice care.

Social Media Manager

azmta.media@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

AZMTA hosts regular events as well as other opportunities to network with professionals in the music therapy profession. Students and patients are invited to join us at these events. See our Events Page for information on upcoming events.

Visit our events page

What is
music therapy?

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

  • - Promote Wellness
  • - Manage Stress
  • - Alleviate Pain
  • - Express Feelings
  • - Enhance Memory
  • - Improve Communication
  • - Promote Physical Rehabilitation
Music Therapy FAQ's

What is a qualified
music therapist?

National board certification requires that each music therapist has met the eligibility requirements to sit for (and pass) the Certified Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam.

Requirements include:

  • - A bachelor's degree or higher in music therapy from an AMTA approved college and university programs.
  • - In-depth knowledge in three main areas: musical foundations, clinical foundations, and music therapy foundations & principles as specified in the AMTA Professional Competencies.
  • - A minimum of 1200 hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship, prior to earning certification.
Learn more at CBMT.org

Join AZMTA

AZMTA is a fantastic way to connect music therapists and students together! We offer networking opportunites, educational resources, and a directory to make it easier for clients to find and connect with qualified therapists.

Membership Benefits

See our directory for a qualified Music Therapist in Arizona

All AZMTA therapists are board certified music therapists who have sucessfully completed the required training curriculum and have passed an independant examination by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

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