Music Therapy on the IEP

Did you know that music therapy is a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

It can be included on a student’s IEP if, through a specific assessment process, it is determined that music therapy is required for the student to benefit from his/her educational program.

How do I get music therapy on my student’s IEP?

To determine if a student qualifies for music therapy, a music therapy eligibility assessment needs to be requested. This request can come from anyone on the IEP team, including parents, teachers, or therapists. After the formal request has been made and permission to assess has been received, the school district arranges for a board certified music therapist to assess the student. The industry standard for public school music therapy eligibility assessments is the Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process (SEMTAP). This assessment process evaluates the student’s performance on his/her target IEP goals and objectives without music therapy interventions and with music therapy interventions to determine if music therapy provides the student significant assistance in addressing his/her IEP goals and objectives.

What are the elements of the SEMTAP?

1. Review student’s IEP
2. Interview IEP team members
3. Analyze and compare results of IEP review and team member interviews to determine target IEP goals and objectives
4. Observe student in non-musical setting(s)
5. Design and complete music therapy assessment session
6. Prepare written report

Do all students qualify?

No; liking music, or even responding positively to music, does not mean the student will qualify for IEP-based music therapy services. To qualify for music therapy as a related service, the assessment must show that music therapy strategies provide the student with significant assistance in addressing his/her IEP goals. If the student does not qualify, families can choose to pursue music therapy independently as private music therapy can address other areas of need that do not directly impact the student’s educational program.

What are the levels of music therapy services on the IEP?

Direct: Music therapy services are provided directly to the student as coded on his/her IEP. Direct services can be provided individually or in a group.

Consult: Through consultation, observation, or direct sessions, music methods are developed and shared with the IEP team for integration in the student’s educational program.

Helpful links from the American Music Therapy Association

• Music Therapy & Special Education
• Special Education: Music Therapy Research & Evidence-Based Practice Support

If you have additional questions, would like more information about requesting a music therapy eligibility assessment for your student, or are interested in more details about the SEMTAP, contact us for a complimentary consultation.