FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 18, 2003
CONTACT: Kathleen Shields
734.487.4400
kathleen.shields@emich.edu

National Music Therapy Association to recognize EMU’S McGuire for Service

YPSILANTI - Michael G. McGuire, professor of music and coordinator of the music therapy program at Eastern Michigan University, will receive the 2003 Service Award from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
The award will be presented at AMTA’s annual conference in Minneapolis Nov. 20-23.

“I cannot possibly convey how proud, and how deeply my heart is touched, by receiving this award. The AMTA is the most recognized membership organization for music therapists in the United States, and it also has a world-wide reputation, “ said

McGuire, of Ypsilanti.
The award is given annually and winners are nominated and chosen by their colleagues in the field of music therapy. In McGuire’s case, his colleagues wanted to acknowledge McGuire’s 30 years of service to the association. His service record includes 25 years as a member of the AMTA’s policy-making body, the Assembly of Delegates, and his work as the founding editor of the AMTA journal, “Music Therapy Perspectives.”

It was McGuire’s research that led to the establishment of the AMTA’s Professional Competencies, now required in every academic music therapy program in the United States. McGuire is a member of the AMTA’s Assembly of Delegates and the board of directors of the certification board for music therapists.

McGuire was instrumental in founding EMU’s music therapy program in 1983 and has been its coordinator ever since. There are currently 50 students enrolled in the program, with thousands of alumni working as board-certified music therapists in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive metropolitan university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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