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
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The Gifted Dyslexic and Insight Learning (Part 4)
Have you ever wondered if you’re gifted and dyslexic? Or are you a parent of a child who’s gifted and dyslexic and want more information. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize giftedness. Ronald Davis states, “This would commonly be recognized as daydreaming or simply not paying attention. The student is actually paying attention but has shifted to an imaginary world that is more interesting” (“The Gift of Learning” 38). How is this a sign of giftedness? Keep reading “The Gifted Dyslexic and Insight Learning” to learn about the last of our four dyslexic strengths. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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Can Singers Sing in Tune Even if They Do Not Hear Their Voice?
Do you have a hard time singing in tune with the rest of the chorus when they sing loud? Have you ever wondered, “Can singers sing in tune even if they do not hear their voice?” Click to find out how to fix this problem. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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How to Graduate from the Color Coded Music Notation: Part 4
Do your students mix up the ledger line notes? Click to learn the process of how to graduate from the color coded music notation. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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Color Coded Quarter Note Clapping
Do you have a hard time reading rhythm notation? (Or are you a teacher who has students that struggle with rhythm?) This remains a common issue with many musicians, but especially with LD, ADD, and special needs students. Read more to learn color coded quarter note clapping. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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