The first step in the treatment process is a comprehensive assessment of the individual's strengths and needs through musical responses in the areas of motor, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, behavioral, sensory and musical abilities.
A treatment plan is designed with functional, therapeutic, and measurable non-musical goals based on the results of the assessment. Goal areas include motor, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, behavioral and sensory.
Therapeutic music interventions are designed in which individuals actively participate in singing, playing musical instruments, rhythmic interventions, dancing and movement, learning through music, improvisation, adapted music lessons, and other therapeutic experiences designed to address specific non-musical goals. This is often followed by the fading of musical cues in order to aid in the generalization of skills learned in therapy.
Ongoing evaluation of goal progress consists of data collection, documentation, and goal revisions as needed. In addition, collaboration with other healthcare professionals on the individual's interdisciplinary team is very beneficial in promoting consistent terminology and methodology, more rapid goal progress, and generalization of skills across different settings and people.