Music Therapy and Special Education

MUSIC THERAPY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

* Music Therapy is considered a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
* When music therapy is deemed necessary to assist a child benefit from his/her special education, goals are documented on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as a related service intervention.
* Music therapy can be an integral component in helping the child with special needs attain educational goals identified by his/her IEP team.
* Music therapy interventions can address development in cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, and social skills. Music therapy can also facilitate development in communication and sensorimotor skills.
* Music therapy can offer direct or consultant services as determined by the individual needs of the child.
* Music therapists can support special education classroom teachers by providing effective ways to incorporate music into their academic curriculum.
* Music therapy involvement can stimulate attention and increase motivation to participate more fully in other aspects of the educational setting.
* Music therapy interventions apply the inherent order of music to set behavioral expectations, provide reassurance, and maintain structure for children with special needs.
* Music therapy can adapt strategies to encourage a child’s participation in the least restrictive environment.

-American Music Therapy Association, Inc.