Rhythm-N-You Music Therapy, Inc. has been assessing special education students for IEP-based music therapy since 2002.

SEMTAP (Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process)

The assessment tool used to begin this process is the SEMTAP (special education music therapy assessment process).  This tool analyzes documentation of baseline data from IEP goals and compares it to data collected targeting the same goals during a music therapy session. Significance is determined from those results to decide if music therapy is essential in order for the student to benefit from his/her education.  If determined essential, the student qualifies for music therapy to be listed as a related service on his/her IEP.

How Long Does an Assessment Take?

Once a school district has contacted Rhythm-N-You Music Therapy, a primary assessment music therapist is assigned to the case.  Other Rhythm-N-You music therapists may collaborate and assist with the assessment process to ensure the most ethical and unbiased results.

Our music therapists typically take 1-2 months to fully assess a student and visit the classroom about 3 times to document and observe.

Once recommendations are made by the assessment therapist, the IEP Committee (which includes the parent/guardian) meets to review the report and makes a decision regarding inclusion of music therapy on the student’s IEP.

Non-IEP Based Music Therapy in the Public School

Rhythm-N-You Music Therapy currently provides music therapy as an enrichment service to special education classes within school districts and special education schools.   Music therapy delivered as enrichment includes IEP collaboration but is not limited to only IEP goals.  Group sessions for students are included as an enrichment service.