Cracking the Code: How I Help Students Pass With Confidence

The journey to becoming a board-certified music therapist is not easy. I know firsthand how overwhelming the CBMT exam can feel, and I believe students deserve access to the kind of strategic support that makes the process more manageable. That’s exactly why I started Melodic Mentor—to provide the kind of targeted, effective exam prep I wish more students had access to.

Through my tutoring, 9 out of 10 students who study with me pass their CBMT exam. I create all of my own questions and resources—nothing is borrowed, and I am not affiliated with CBMT. My approach is built on helping students refine their reasoning, avoid common mistakes, and reinforce what they’re doing right so they can feel confident when test day arrives.

students doing a fist bump

What a Tutoring Session Looks Like

When students sign up for tutoring with me, they’re not just reviewing content—they’re actively practicing the exact skills needed to navigate the exam successfully. Here’s what a typical session looks like:

• We work through practice questions- I write all of my practice questions on my own and based on CBMT exam content areas and competencies to help students develop the reasoning skills they’ll need.

• Students explain their rationale- I listen to how they arrive at their answer. This is key because understanding your reasoning is just as important as getting the answer right.

• I provide feedback to refine thought patterns- I help students recognize both mistakes and successes, so they know what to adjust and what to keep doing.

• We focus on strategy, not memorization- Many students struggle not because they don’t know the content, but because they get tripped up by wording, second-guess themselves, or misinterpret what’s being asked. I help students develop strategies to approach questions confidently rather than overthinking or doubting their instincts.

Why Test-Taking Strategy Matters

The CBMT exam is designed to assess clinical reasoning, not just knowledge. That’s why traditional study methods- like rereading notes or passively reviewing terms- aren’t always enough.

Many students come to me feeling frustrated because:

1. They get stuck between two answer choices and pick the wrong one.

2. They overthink and talk themselves out of the correct answer.

3. They understand the material but struggle to apply it in a test setting.

In our sessions, we pinpoint these patterns and correct them before they become problems on the exam. It’s not about memorizing facts—it’s about learning how to think through the questions effectively so that students can confidently choose the best answer.

This is why my students pass at a higher rate—because by the time they take the test, they aren’t just hoping they studied the right things. They know how to approach the questions, trust their reasoning, and apply their knowledge effectively.

CBMT Pass Rates vs. Melodic Mentor’s Success

According to the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), the first-time pass rate for the exam is 68%, while the overall candidate pass rate, including repeat test-takers- is 52% (CBMT, 2025). That means many people who don’t pass the first time continue to struggle. But with my tutoring, 90.1% of students pass, whether they’re taking the exam for the first time or retaking it after a previous attempt. This shows that my approach works, not just for those new to the exam, but also for those who need a fresh, strategic way to tackle it.

If you’re preparing for your CBMT exam and feeling unsure about your approach, I’m here to help. You don’t have to struggle through this process alone. Let’s make sure your hard work pays off.

girl facing toward a building

Investing in Your Success

I know that finances can be a concern when preparing for the CBMT exam, which is why I work hard to make Melodic Mentor the most affordable option for high-quality tutoring. If you’re unsure about signing up, think of it as an investment in yourself and your career. Passing your exam means moving forward as an MT-BC, opening doors to new opportunities and financial stability in the field you love. My goal is to make sure your hard work pays off- so you don’t have to retake the exam multiple times, spending even more money and time in the long run.

How do you currently feel about taking the CBMT exam?

• Confident and ready!
• Nervous, but preparing.
• Overwhelmed and need help.
• I'm retaking it and want a new approach.

This post was written by Kayla Stubblefield-Williams, LPMT, MT-BC, founder of Melodic Mentor, LLC. If you’re preparing for the CBMT exam and looking for strategic support, check out my tutoring services

➡️ Ready to boost your confidence for the CBMT exam? Sign up for a FREE consultation HERE!