Two trainees playing instruments

IAVMT Training

Training Structure and Fees

Part I. The Experiential Program

Three 3-week on-site units Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, in a residential setting, separated by 2 non-residential interim practice and research periods, followed by a third non residential interim period and a residential week concluding the Experiential Program. These units are interdependent and must be taken in sequence.

Module 1: Beginning the Song and Dance: The Core Principles of VMT

  1. The ten vocal components identified in VMT;
  2. The non-vocal principles particular to VMT;
  3. The creative application of the vocal and non-vocal components to the investigation of the self though voice;
  4. Developmental movement and voice within the context of VMT: The role of vocalization and simple song-making in the development of affective language, meaningful speech and a sense of self (Part 1).
Martha's Vineyard hall from the outside

Module 2: The Singing Self: VMT Creative Process Work and Song-Making

  1. Introduction to the practice of active imagination through the recognition and creation of acoustic archetypes and sub-personalities in sound and movement;
  2. The journey into the shadow world through voice, movement and enactment;
  3. Introduction to VMT massage, manipulation and compression work;
  4. Developmental movement and voice within the context of VMT (Part 2).

Module 3: The Voice Unchained - VMT Therapeutic Process

  1. The therapeutic principles of VMT and how they are used, by themselves and in relation to other therapeutic principles;
  2. Somatic transference and counter-transference within a creative group framework;
  3. Developmental movement and voice within the context of VMT (Part 3).

Conclusion of Experiential Program: Moving the Heart, Singing the Soul

  1. Review of core principles
  2. Student presentations and performances.
Four trainees in Martha's Vineyard training

Module 4: Introduction to the Qualifying Period.

  1. Student presentation of plans for their work in VMT;
  2. Overview:
    1. Placing VMT in the context of the Expressive Arts Therapies;
    2. Ethical considerations and guidelines, and presentations on diversity and anti-bias;
  3. Trainees work with each other individually and in groups according to principles of active supervision

Part 2: The Qualifying Period (Non-Residential)

Dates: One year from the end of module 4, during which time the trainee, under supervision, will:

  1. Work with 3 practice clients for 20 sessions each, keeping extensive case notes and writing a case study for each;
  2. Facilitate 1 group of 3 or more people for 8 sessions, also keeping notes and writing a group case study;
  3. Write a short thesis on a topic of interest directly pertaining to VMT and growing out of the case work.

The trainee will be supported by a supervisor during the qualifying period, after which the trainee can apply for registration as a Professional Practitioner with the International Association for Voice Movement Therapy (IAVMT)

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Inside of Martha's Vineyard village hall

Fees:

Part I. Experiential Program and Module IV

Tuition for four modules and performance/presentation week: approximately $5,000.

Accommodation (not including meals): approximately $2,000.

Part 2: Non-residential Qualifying Period, including supervision

Tuition: approximately $2,000, including one residential week.

Scholarships: See statement on The Voice Unchained section

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