Music therapy service delivery trends in special education settings in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Abstract

This survey research sought to identify music therapy service delivery trends in special education settings in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. A total of 25 individuals who oversee the provision of special education programming and services in public school districts in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia were included in this study. The majority of participants indicated that music therapy services are not being provided in their respective school districts. Inadequate funding, limited access to music therapists and their services, and a lack of awareness of music therapy were identified as factors that impact the provision of music therapy services in special education settings within the Mid- Atlantic Region. The findings of this study point to an overall need for increased advocacy for music therapy services in special education settings at the client/family level, the community level, the school district administrative level, the state level, and the federal level. Further research in each state would provide a clearer picture of these trends and would be beneficial in guiding music therapists, district administrators, and clients/families who are seeking music therapy services.