The Blog Category Is Expanding:
I’ve expanded the blog category to include general special needs topics in addition to the adapted score posts.
The Adapted Score:
Why color code music? Color has appeared in music scores for as long as there has been music notation. Moreover, color is a proven, powerful teaching tool. George L. Rogers has shown that color coding provides an access point for LD and special needs students for score reading.
With color, the special needs and LD students in his study exceled at sight reading tasks. However, without the color, they were entirely unable to read the score at all.
Therefore, students have the opportunity to experience success and thus avoid the failure that often comes with more traditional approaches. For many of these students, success is critically important. Success helps with both self-concept and self-esteem.
The cornerstone category article:
The posts may be read in any order, but I suggest that you read these two posts first:
Playing and clapping exercises:
Graduating from the color coding
The remaining posts can be read in any order you like:
These posts focus on non-color-coding special needs issues:
Learning differences posts:
The previous topic lists will be updated periodically. See the post grid below for the full list and full descriptions with featured images.
– Geoffrey Keith
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page
Do you feel uncomfortable with special needs labels? Do you like one label but hate another? Terms like special needs and learning disabilities are critical for gaining access to support services. However, they can come with some big downsides. Click to learn about the special needs and learning disability label dilemma. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
The Special Needs and Learning Disability Label Dilemma Read More »
Are you new to playing piano? Do you want (or do you want your child) to learn an easy version of the song? Written in 1939, “The Wheels on the Bus” is a beloved children’s standard that’s had popular staying power. Click to learn how to play “The Wheels on the Bus” – easy piano version. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Play Wheels on the Bus – Easy Piano Read More »
Do you need to find music that will help your student relax and calm down? Do you want to find compositions that will help focus your child’s attention so that homework can get done? Music can be a tremendous help for ADHD children, but not all styles work equally well. Click to find out what genres get the job done and to learn the 10 best calm relaxing music selections for ADHD kids. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
10 Best Calm Relaxing Music Selections for ADHD Kids Read More »
Do you want to know what that funny looking thing is to the left side of the music staff? Do you need to know how clefs work when reading music? When a singer or instrumentalist sees a clef, it helps them find the notes on the staff. Therefore, it’s an essential symbol for interpreting the score. Click on “What’s a Clef and How to Use It?” to understand what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
What’s a Clef and How to Use It? Read More »
Do you need to memorize your music? Do you want help understanding the different ways to effectively memorize pieces? Not everyone thinks the same way, so the trick is to learn the best way for *you* to memorize your music. Click to learn how to best memorize your music. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
How to Best Memorize Your Music Read More »
Do you need to know what kinesthetic learning is? Do you want to be able to integrate it into your music lessons? Kinesthetic learning uses physical activity to improve the learning experience. When done right, it’ll make your lessons more fun, engaging, and effective. Click to learn how to use kinesthetic learning in music lessons. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Use Kinesthetic Learning in Music Lessons Read More »
Do you need to know what pervasive developmental disorder is? Do you need advice on how to best teach your students? On one hand, PDD can affect how someone interacts with music. On the other hand, it can be a wonderful resource for boosting morale and generally enhancing your students’ lives. Click to answer the question, “What’s pervasive developmental disorder and its impact on music?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
What’s Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Its Impact on Music? Read More »
Do you want to know how a hello song can help you in music lessons? These are used a lot by music therapists and classroom teachers. However, they can also be useful for private music lesson teachers as well, especially if you work with young children or special needs children. Click “How to Use a Hello Song in Music Lessons” to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
How to Use a Hello Song in Music Lessons Read More »
Are you a music teacher with a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Do you need advice on teaching your students? For people with autism spectrum disorder, music can be comforting after a hard day interacting with people, allowing an outlet for pent up emotions. However, does ASD have an impact on playing music? Click “What’s Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impact on Music?” to find out. Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
What’s Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impact on Music? Read More »
Do you want to be a good music teacher? It’s more than just being patient or being a good role model. There are five skills that make a good music teacher. Click “How to Become a Good Music Teacher” to learn what the skills are. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
How to Become a Good Music Teacher Read More »