You read a news story about a yoga instructor facing criminal charges because they played music during class. This seems like the plot of a comedy or dystopian sci-fi movie, but it’s not. Due to Nevada’s music therapy laws (passed in 2011) – it’s something that can happen right now. 

The idea was to make sure people practicing music therapy were trained and skilled. But the law’s definition of “music therapy” is so broad it’s causing a lot of problems. 

What Is Music Therapy Licensing in Nevada?

Nevada’s law defines music therapy as almost any activity involving music, which can include: 

• Writing songs
• Playing instruments
• Dancing
• Listening to music 
• Performing 
• Lyric discussion 
• Music combined with imagery
• Learning through music and movement to music

If someone uses these activities to help others feel better, think clearer, or improve social skills – they need a license. Without one they could get in trouble.

What Does it Take to Get a Music Therapy License in Nevada? 

To get a license you need a degree in music therapy, clinical training, and to pass a national test run by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). While this ensures therapists are trained to high standards, the unclear wording in the law makes it possible for other professionals to be targeted. 

How This Law Affects Music Teachers and Others

Since 2011 music teachers, dance instructors, and the like have had to be careful:

• Music Teachers: A teacher who helps students build confidence or social skills through music could be breaking the law.
• Dance Instructors: A choreographer who uses music to help students express themselves could be practicing therapy without a license.
• Songwriters: Someone who writes songs with clients (i.e., person who receives that service) to help them share their feelings could get in trouble, even if they’re not calling themselves a therapist.

This unnecessary layer of red tape can stop people from doing meaningful work – even if they’re not calling themselves a “music therapist.”

Don’t Stop The Music – Stop The Red Tape

The spirit of the law is noble, but the execution is poor. At the end of the day, unclear laws like this hurt professionals and the public at large. When music teachers and dance instructors have to choose between paying for an expensive (and unnecessary) license or stopping work, we’re in a bad spot.

It leads to fewer options for people who want affordable and creative ways to improve their mental health or skills. Instead of encouraging creativity the law crushes it by adding more and more obstacles. It says: only licensed professionals can help people through music – which is 100% not true. 

If We Don’t Draw The Line Here, Then Where? 

Nevada’s music therapy law needs to be more clear and fair. Licensing should protect public safety not punish people for doing harmless and helpful things.

Oklahoma has a better definition of music therapy. They define the difference between an “activity with music” and a “clinical activity” with music. By being more specific Nevada can ensure music therapists meet professional standards and others can still use music to teach, create, and inspire.

Help Make Nevada Fair Again 

Most lawmakers mean well, but sometimes they need a reminder that they work for us – the people. Friction and pressure make diamonds, and the same could be argued for a better republic. Let’s exercise our rights together to demand our politicians fix the harm this law has caused to so many people.