Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want your autistic child to play piano? Or are you an adult with autism who’s wondering if piano would be a good fit? Playing piano brings a lot of benefits beyond just the fun of playing music. Read more to find out the answer to the question, “Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?”
Playing the Piano is a Suitable Activity for Autistic People #1: The Spectrum
“Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Piano will be a good fit for most people on the autism spectrum.
- People on the spectrum have a range of strengths and struggles.
- Music teachers need to assess students to figure out which teaching methods will work best.
Every person with autism is different.
- Some people communicate well and learn music well (or may even be musically gifted) but still can have problems with social situations.
- Other people on the spectrum can have extreme communication problems and will need a lot of support to learn effectively.
- Color coding has been scientifically proven to help students who struggle with reading music.
With appropriate multisensory strategies, many people with classic autism can learn piano:
Playing the Piano is a Suitable Activity for Autistic People #2: Expressing Your Emotions
“Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Yes, and music can be a great release after a stressful day.
- Social situations can be tough if you’re on the spectrum.
- Sadly, social interactions permeate almost everything we do in life.
- Regardless of whether you have autism or not, playing piano provides you with a great way to express your feelings.
Playing the Piano is a Suitable Activity for Autistic People #3: Makes You Feel Good
“Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” It can sometimes be really difficult being a person with autism having to operate within a neurotypical world. Piano can help.
- When social interactions go wrong, or things go haywire at work or school, it can do real damage to your self-esteem.
- The sense of accomplishment from acquiring skill on piano feels good and builds confidence.
Having said that, if you have troubles with learning, the links above can help.
Playing the Piano is a Suitable Activity for Autistic People #4: Making Friends
“Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Whether you play in a rock band, jazz band, or some other ensemble, group music activities can be a good way to make friends.
- Music helps people bond, creating connections while breaking down social barriers.
- Besides joining bands and ensembles, you can play piano in group lessons or in music therapy sessions.
In addition, becoming part of an ensemble will develop a sense of teamwork and belonging.
Conclusion
“Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Yup, ‘nuf said.
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Why Do Just Intonation Keys Have Different Aural Characteristics?
Have you ever wondered why just intonation sounds different in different keys? This happens because the structure of just intonation diverges from equal temperament (the modern tuning standard), resulting in a different sound. Click to learn the answer to the question, “Why do just intonation keys have different aural characteristics?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
What Does it Mean for Me to Interpret a Piece of Music? Part 1
Does your playing lack emotion? Do you want tips on how to interpret music? Many musicians struggle with interpretation. However, I can show you powerful strategies for tapping into the emotion in your playing. Click to answer the question, “What does it mean for me to interpret a piece of music?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Color Coding Music for Success
Want to read music? Does your child or music student have a hard time reading notes? Color coding music notation can help. I had a student with amnesia who would forget everything she had learned from the previous lesson. However, she was able to learn beginner level piano music with hands together. Find out how color coding helps students like her. Estimated reading time 11 minutes.
Read More
Tips for Teaching an Autistic Child the Guitar
Are you a teacher of an autistic guitar student? Each student has a unique learning style. Autistic students are no different, which means you need to be flexible when teaching kids on the autistic spectrum. Read more to get tips for teaching an autistic child the guitar. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More