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Music Therapy Observation

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The related service observed during the field experience with students with low incidence disabilities was music therapy. The observation setting provided the students with ample space and a multitude of instruments to choose from. The lights would be turned off and a string of small lights would illuminate the room along with various instruments that lit up. The music therapist was extremely engaging and encouraged the students to play with the instruments found within the room.
The students were from a low-functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitions class and many were non-verbal. When it came time to go to music therapy, the students seemed eager. Music provides a multi-sensory stimulation that is beneficial for students with ASD. The music therapist described the …show more content…

Music therapy helps individuals with disabilities to identify and express his or her emotions as well as to assist in the development of verbal communication, speech and language skills. The data collection tool implemented to track the progress of students focused on student participation and independence levels. These levels were tracked weekly and broken down into 5 sections: Independent, Verbal, Gestural, Physical, and No Participation. Data was also collected when measuring a student’s response to musical selection and to see if a rhythm was followed in either double or triple meter.
Overall, the music therapy that was observed was truly informative. I have never been exposed to this form of therapy and I was impressed. Not only does music therapy provide students with disabilities an outlet for emotional expression, but it also helps to address student IEP goals when it comes to social skills, speech and language skills, and verbal communication. The students were receptive of the therapy and seemed to enjoy the atmosphere within the music

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