Course Format: Hybrid (Synchronous and Asynchronous)
30 CMTE Credits
Course Format and Dates
This hybrid course combines required asynchronous study with three live online sessions
Asynchronous Study
Participants will complete required prerecorded instruction and course materials before the live training begins. Access instructions will be provided after registration.
Course Dates
Live Online Sessions
November 6, 7, and 8, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time each day
All live sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants who are unable to attend due to time zone differences.
Registration closes October 30, 2026. Instructions for accessing and completing the asynchronous coursework will be provided before the course begins.
Registration Fees
Launch Special: $450
Through August 23
Early Bird: $499
August 24 through September 20
Regular Registration: $550
September 21 through October 18
Late Registration: $599
October 19 through October 30
Registration closes October 30.
Returning Participants
Previously completed the IMCAP-ND course? Register again at the special refresher rate of $275.
Email info@dmhmusictherapy.com to request your registration link.
Agency Group Registration
Discounted rates are available for agencies registering three or more music therapists.
Email info@dmhmusictherapy.com for group pricing and a customized payment link.
Discounts cannot be combined.
Course Description
The Individual Music Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Variants (IMCAP-ND) is a play based assessment tool that examines how clients perceive, understand, create, and engage in music with the therapist. It includes three quantitative scales that have undergone psychometric testing for reliability and validity. These scales examine musical,social, emotional, cognitive, perceptual, and relational aspects of musical participation.
The IMCAP-ND Music Therapy Assessment Course provides a comprehensive training in the assessment model. Through synchronous and asynchronous learning participants learn how to administer, score, and interpret the IMCAP-ND scales. They learn to implement assessment procedures and design music experiences informed by assessment findings. In addition, participants learn how to develop individualized clinical goals based on the results.
Participants also receive access to the IMCAP-ND Automated Report Generator which transforms numerical assessment data into an individualized narrative report with one click.
Your Registration Includes:
• 30 CMTE credits for eligible music therapists who complete all course requirements
• A certificate of participation for students and other professionals
• Asynchronous instruction and supporting course materials
• Three live online training sessions on November 6, 7, and 8
• Access to recordings of all live sessions
• The IMCAP-ND Assessment Manual ebook
• The Music Therapy Protocols and Procedures ebook
• The complete IMCAP-ND Rating Scales
• The Goal Bank and Assessment Report Template ebook
• Access to the IMCAP-ND Automated Report Generator and instruction in its use
• Clinical videos demonstrating assessment administration and scoring
• Selected book chapters, research articles, and additional readings
• Guided practice administering, scoring, and interpreting the IMCAP-ND
• Instruction in designing music experiences informed by assessment findings
• Access to clinical role play videos for practicing musical responses to varied musical, sensory, and emotional profiles
• Practice translating assessment findings into individualized reports, clinical goals, and recommendations
• Two postcourse group coaching sessions to support the practical application of the IMCAP ND. Coaching sessions will be offered at designated times in a group format. Dates and times will be announced in advance following the course.
Learning Outcomes and Board Certification Domains
- Identify the key domains and components of IMCAP ND Scale I Musical Emotional Assessment rating scale (Knowledge 2B 3 to 6, 2C 3, 2C 6; Tasks 12, 13, 16, 18, 19)
- Identify the key domains and components of IMCAP ND Scale II Musical Cognitive Perception rating scale (Knowledge 2B 3 to 6, 2C 3, 2C 6; Tasks 12, 13, 16, 18, 19)
- Identify the key domains and components of IMCAP ND Scale III Musical Responsiveness rating scale (Knowledge 2B 3 to 6, 2C 3, 2C 6; Tasks 12, 13, 16, 18, 19)
- Describe and implement musical IMCAP ND protocols (Knowledge 2B 5; Tasks 18 and 19)
Prerequisites
Certification in music therapy or an equivalent credential from a recognized accrediting body. Students and other professionals may register and will receive a participation certificate, though CMTE credits are awarded only to eligible credentialed music therapists.
Course Schedule
Hybrid Portion 1 (Asynchronous) – 4 Hours: Participants complete recorded lectures and readings prior to live sessions.
Focus: Builds essential IMCAP-ND foundational knowledge before the live sessions. Time below includes video lectures and readings
| Time | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced | Welcome, overview & course material | 22 mins |
| Self-Paced | Defining IMCAP-ND Assessmet | 39 mins |
| Self-Paced | Meaning Making | 45 mins |
| Self-Paced | IMCAP-ND Origins & Foundations | 34 mins |
| Self-Paced | Defining Health & Music as a Health Domain | 30 mins |
| Self-Paced | Role of Music, Client & Therapist | 13 mins |
| Self-Paced | IMCAP-ND Scales & Protocals | 40 mins |
Day 1 – 6 Hours (Live, synchronous)
Focus: Introduction, foundations and IMCAP-ND rating scales
| Time | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome and review of pre-course materials | 30 mins |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | ASD and neurodevelopmental frameworks (identity-first language) | 60 mins |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Paradigm shift: music as the domain of health | 60 mins |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Breakout discussion and Q&A | 30 mins |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch (non-instructional) | — |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | IMCAP-ND Scale I: Musical Emotional Assessment (MEARS) | 60 mins |
| 2:00 – 3:00 | IMCAP-ND Scale II: Musical Cognitive/Perception (MCPS) | 60 mins |
| 3:00 – 4:00 | IMCAP-ND Scale III: Musical Responsiveness (MRS) | 60 mins |
Day 2 – 6 Hours (Live, synchronous)
Focus: Assessment protocols, procedure and quality of musical-play
| Time | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Review and reflection | 30 mins |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Assessment protocols and clinical techniques | 60 mins |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Procedural and musical considerations | 45 mins |
| 11:15 – 12:00 | Respecting the client's nervous system | 45 mins |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch (non-instructional) | — |
| 1:00 – 2:15 | Creating musical experiences to target assessment areas | 90 mins |
| 2:15 – 3:15 | Role play and experiential practice | 60 mins |
| 3:15 – 4:15 | Identifying intentionality & relational play vs. stimulus-response | 60 mins |
Day 3 – 6 Hours (Live, synchronous)
Focus: Scoring, interpreting, and communicating IMCAP-ND results
| Time | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Review and discussion of Day 2 | 30 mins |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Scoring protocols and frequency/support scales | 60 mins |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Practice scoring Scales I–III | 45 mis |
| 11:15 – 12:00 | Discussion and interpretation (video review) | 45 mins |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch (non-instructional) | — |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Intake process and setting up IMCAP-ND assessments | 60 mins |
| 2:00 – 3:00 | Report writing and goal formulation | 60 mins |
| 3:00 – 4:00 | Communicating results to families and professionals | 60 mins |
Hybrid Portion 2 (Asynchronous) – 3 Hours
Focus: IMCAP-ND Automated Report Generator
| Time | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced | Introduction to the IMCAP-ND Report Generator | 60 mins |
| Self-Paced | Translating quantitative data into narrative text | 60 mins |
| Self-Paced | Determining and crafting clinical goals 60 mins | 60 mins |
Instructor
Dr. John A. Carpente, Ph.D., MT-BC, LCAT, DIR-C is the creator of the IMCAP-ND music therapy assessment model and a professor of Music Therapy at Molloy University. He is the founder and executive director of The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy and an internationally recognized clinician, researcher and educator whose work has advanced music-centered and developmental relationship-based practice worldwide. With nearly thirty years of clinical, supervisory and academic experience, he has published extensively and has trained music therapists across the United States and internationally.
CMTE Information
IMCAP-ND Music Therapy Assessment Course is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 30 Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. Developmental Music Helath, LLC Approved Provider #P-255, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria
Evaluation
Participants will complete the CBMT Quality Assurance Survey to receive their certificate.
Grievance Policy
Participants have the right to file a grievance regarding any aspect of the course. All concerns must be submitted by email to the Continuing Education Director at info@DMHmusictherapy.com within two weeks of completing the course. All grievances will receive a written response within two weeks of receipt, which may include clarification, review of materials or further support. Participants may submit a formal appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution. After completing this process, participants may contact the CBMT Continuing Education Committee if concerns remain unresolved.
Refund Policy
All registrations for this course are final. No refunds are issued for this training. If a participant is unable to attend the live sessions, all recordings and asynchronous materials will remain available for the full access period.