Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP)
Professional Training in Therapeutic Music for Healthcare Settings
The mission of Harp for Healing is to provide accredited high-quality, accessible, flexible, affordable therapeutic music training and certification.
The Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP) provides in-depth training in the practice of therapeutic music at the bedside for harpists, pianists, singers, guitarists, flutists, and other skilled musicians.
CMCP prepares musicians to use live music intentionally in clinical settings to support comfort, care, and well-being through presence, listening, and responsiveness.
What Is Therapeutic Music?
Therapeutic music is the intentional use of live music to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in healthcare environments. It is distinct from performance and entertainment, and is guided by professional standards, ethics, and an understanding of the effects of sound on the human body, mind, and spirit.
CMCP training is grounded in research and clinical practice and avoids mysticism or speculative approaches. The program is deliberately compatible with Judeo-Christian beliefs but respects the individual spirituality of each student and is intentionally religion-neutral, allowing participants to integrate their own belief systems as appropriate.
Who This Program Is For
CMCP is designed for:
- Late beginner/Intermediate to advanced musicians
- Musicians comfortable with their primary instrument
- Musicians interested in doing bedside therapeutic music in healthcare environments
- Musicians seeking professional certification in therapeutic music
- Individuals looking for flexible, affordable, self-paced therapeutic music study
- Musicians who want a very rewarding way to use their music in a non-performance setting
Although advanced music skills are not required, applicants must have basic music skills and be comfortable playing their instrument. Beginning music skills are not taught in CMCP.
Program Format & Support
CMCP is a self-paced, independent study program designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible, without required travel or rigid scheduled meeting times. The quality of instruction is assured by meeting the standards of accreditation set by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM.)
While students work independently, they are not alone. Support includes:
- Guidance from an experienced, authorized CMCP mentor
- Direct access to the Program Director
- Recorded conference calls and educational videos
- Online book studies and discussion opportunities
- Connection with a community of students and graduates
CMCP Level 1
Foundational training in therapeutic music at the bedside, focusing on core skills, listening, and presence.
Tuition: $775
Additional cost: 4 additional books/resources
Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
CMCP Level 2
Advanced bedside therapeutic music training, building on Level 1 skills.
Tuition: $775
Additional cost: 4 additional books/resources
Application Fee: Waived if CMCP Level 1 was completed within the previous 12 months
CMCP Level 3 (Optional)
Advanced training in Vibroacoustic Therapeutic Music.
Please see the Vibroacoustic Therapeutic Music Page for details
Tuition: $775
Application Fee: None
Musicians who have completed another clinical music training program or who have extensive bedside experience may qualify for a Modified Requirements Track. Please review the MRT Prerequisite list and description before applying for MRT.
Accreditation & History
CMCP was developed in 2002 by Laurie Riley, a pioneer in the field of clinical music. The program has been accredited by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM) since 2008.
CMCP mentors are Certified Clinical Musicians located throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy, bringing diverse experience and professional backgrounds to the program.
Prerequisite Recommendation
If a student is not certain they want to commit to CMCP, it is recommended that student complete the Public Music for Medical Environments (PMME) course before applying for CMCP.
Certification & Additional Costs
The course textbook for a level is included in the tuition for that level. Students are responsible for the cost of additional required reading materials or resources. Estimated total cost of CMCP Levels 1, 2, and 3.