The existence of music therapy can be traced back as early as the 1800’s, however it did not emerge as an organized clinical field until the mid-20^th century.  Writings about the beneficial value of music therapy appeared in the medical dissertations of Edwin Atlee and Samuel Mathews, within the first decade of the 19^th century. They were both influenced by Dr. Benjamic Rush who strongly believed in the use of music to treat physical and psychiatric diseases. This was followed by an actual intervention of music therapy in an institutional setting by Blackwell, and an experiment by Corning that used music in correlation with psychotherapy. Subsequently, in the beginning of the 20^th century, several short-lived associations sprang about contributing various journal articles, books, and educational programs. However, these associations were unable to nail down music therapy as a clinical profession. Finally, in the 1940’s three important figures worked to facilitate the creation of music therapy as a clinical profession. These individuals were Ira Altshuler, MD, Willem van de Wall, and Thayer Gaston. As a result, many universities such as Chicago Musical College, College of the Pacific, and Alverno College, amongst others founded formal academic programs in the field. The field of music therapy developed into an organized profession in the mid 20^th century. Associations were founded to give credibility to the field and place restrictions and requirements upon those seeking admittance. One such association was the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) founded in New York City itself in 1950, as it created a board-certification program for the field in 1985. Today the AMTA, an associated founded upon earlier such organizations, works to garner credibility for the field and educate the public about its salutary benefits.