Music Therapy in Special Education
We partner with schools and school districts in St. Louis and surrounding communities, providing individual music therapy services through a student’s individual education plan (IEP). We service children from early childhood to high school. Students qualify for music therapy when determined a necessary related service through the assessment process. Midwest Music Therapy Services has been partnering with school districts since our start in 2000! We can provide more information on the process of requesting music therapy in the special education setting and the criteria for qualifying for services. We would love to partner with your school or school district!
Music Therapy as a
Related Service Under IDEA
“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 serves as an integral component in helping children in schools and in early childhood settings attain educational goals identified by their IEP team, through direct and consulting services with a credentialed music therapist.” American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
School Based
Music Therapy Groups
Group music therapy in schools can help students from early childhood through high school meet important classroom and developmental goals. In early childhood settings, group music therapy can improve attention, language development, social interactions such as sharing and turn taking, and participation in group routines. For elementary and middle school students, music therapy group interventions may target self-regulation, peer interaction, academic engagement, and emotional expression. At the high school level, music therapy can support coping skills, stress management, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and positive social connection. By aligning music therapy interventions with classroom goals, music therapy provides an engaging and evidence-based approach to support student success.