Utilization of Motor Skill Assessmentsin Clinical Practice

ABSTRACT: Careful assessment procedures are commonly accept ed as being instrumental to the delivery of quality music therapy services. In many clinical settings, motor skill development has been delineated as the focus for treatment. Knowledge of available stan dardized motor skill assessments is crucial for professional documen tation within this area of service. This article presents a brief rationale for the use of standardized instruments, and descriptions of twelve selected tests. As the profession of music therapy expands its theo retical and empirical foundation, widespread utilization of such ma terials will assist in the documentation of treatment effectiveness. One of the most critical topics in the music therapy profes sion today is accountability of services. Therapists need to objectively evaluate not only their direct services within ses sions, but also their rationale and procedures for assessment (Howe, 1981). Regulatory agencies usually mandate, or iden tify as being instrumental, the use of a formal assessment pro cedure within therapeutic settings (i.e., Department of Health