Special Needs

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.

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.

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.

Have you been thinking about keeping percussion instruments on hand for your music lessons? Do you want an idea of what should go into your bag? A percussion bag or box is useful for any music instructor. It can make the difference between happy, engaged students and pandemonium. Click “How to Set Up a Music Teacher’s Percussion Bag” for some tips to get you started. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

Do you need to know what Asperger’s is? Do you want to know how it impacts learning music? Asperger syndrome is characterized by difficulties with social situations, because interpreting non-verbal communication is challenging for them. However, people with Asperger’s will otherwise have good facility with language and good cognitive abilities. Keep reading “What Precisely Is Asperger’s and Its Effect on Learning Music?” to find out more about what it is and how it interacts with music lessons. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

Does your child or student have dyscalculia? Do you need help getting them to play rhythm accurately? Children with dyscalculia have struggles with math, and math and music have a lot in common. So, it makes sense that students with dyscalculia can have problems learning music. However, this post is stuffed with teaching tips that will help students learn. Keep reading “How to Teach Music Students with Dyscalculia” to learn multisensory strategies that will help kids of all abilities have fun playing and singing. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

Do you want to know what fine motor skills are and how they impact special needs music lessons? Fine motor skills are small, precise movements and therefore are a critical component of musical instrument lessons. Gross motor skills are also important in music. However, most instruments require a high level of finger precision, which is why in today’s post we’ll mostly focus on activities to develop finger dexterity. Keep reading “What’re Critical Fine Motor Skills for Special Needs Music” to learn how to increase finger dexterity in your special needs students. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.