Alternative Learning

In having a special-needs child ourselves, we know first-hand how parents may feel about their child’s overall development and the stress it brings. With a few years of speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and a special-needs preschool class, our daughter is flourishing! While she still needs special care, she has come a long way.

Thanks to a very special friend and speech/language pathologist, Lisa Worrell, of As Children Blossom Therapy Center in Campbell, we have incorporated several techniques and tools to help these types of children. Our “theme” is organized, predictable, and therefore comforting to these students. Since each special-needs child is unique as far as learning style, we are extremely flexible and patient while instructing always with a goal in mind. This is not the typical music lesson, but rather baby steps while laying the foundation with the ultimate goal to be able to developmentally meet mainstream goals.

Here are some simple goals and approaches which might be used in a session:

• A visual timer set near the instrument so the student knows when his/her time commitment is fulfilled and at the same time, increasing attention span
• Picture icons to demonstrate the order of tasks for the day
• Simple sign language (if no spoken language is present)
• Worksheets reflecting the words of instruments to foster spelling and writing
• Accompaniment music as the foundation for rhythmic and tempo shadow playing
• Age-appropriate sing-along songs to work on speech or learning to play their simple, favorite kid song

We also realized, while trying to find a dance studio to work with our daughter, most mainstream elective classes can not or will not work with special children. Whether it is sports, dance, art, or music classes, either a child has to be mainstream or extreme (severely delayed organizations) to participate in extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, this “in between” gray area is not given the chance to feed an interest they may exhibit, such as music. Our purpose in this special-needs journey is to provide a place that accepts these mildly delayed children.

Because we are NOT therapists or doctors, please keep in mind this style of teaching is based on our own experience and wishes to see that other special-needs children can have the same opportunity and experience as others. We are potentially opening doors to the development of the child; not curing them.

Working with the parent is imperative with an emphasis on overall communication. We strive to set up goals together and are very much open to suggestions along the way.

Some types of delays may include:

• ADD/ADHD
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Dyslexia
• Mild Autism/ ASD

Upon contacting us, we will ask a few questions to get a better idea of the learning style and needs of the potential student prior to setting up the consultation.

If you have a special-needs child or know someone who does and are interested in music, we would be honored to help make a musical difference.