Music therapy consultations are available for general education teachers, special education teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, music teachers, and other school staff. When music therapy consultations are provided as part of the IEP, it is listed on page 8 of the IEP under “Frequency and Duration of Supports for Staff”. Consultation services may be rendered on a regular basis, as needed, or may be specific to create a particular curriculum or other modification for a student. For example, a preschool teacher may need general suggestions on how to modify circle time to decrease episodes of over stimulation for a child with Autism. A high school band teacher may need ongoing consultation services to adapt written music for a student with a visual impairment. A seventh grade special education teacher may need a music-based curriculum developed to help a student with multiple disabilities be less agitated during lunch time.

Music can be an incredible learning tool, especially in early education. During the fundamental years, music can help shape mathematical development, literacy skills, peer relationships, etc. We provide teachers with ideas on how to use live music in the classroom with materials they currently have to reinforce classroom concepts, decrease off-task behaviors during transitions, and increase overall attention to task while expanding active learning time. Ideas for classroom curriculum are provided after a teacher interview and observation of general classroom structure.

Consultations of this nature are not tied to any specific student(s) and are generally used to deepen the scope of practice of the therapy provider while giving them new techniques to implement in their therapy sessions. It is important to note, music therapy consultation services are NOT a replacement for music therapy services. Ideas for implementing music in someone’s respective clinical approach is provided after interviewing the clinician about their needs and may include session observation.

Music therapists have advanced training in the adaptation of music and instruments to include children with special needs in general music classes including choir and band environments. Our team can assist your music educators in finding ways to include children with special needs in the music classroom using adapted methodologies and notation. Consultation services can include direct observation and adaptations in the moment during class, written recommendations, adapted printed music, and more. Consultation services of this nature may or may not be listed on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).