Adventures in Adaptive Music
- Jen Shanin, Founder
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
When I was first approached by a client about adaptive music lessons, I will be the first to admit that even though my heart was definitely invested, I had no tangible training in how to do that. However, anyone who knows even a little bit about me knows that I love continued learning and that I really don't like being told "that's not possible." So I set out to learn and WOW, did I ever learn.
Music is a full brain activity
I learned years ago about the neuroscience behind music and how its a full brain activity that engages both hemispheres of the brain at once. That is why music is so powerful for memory care, speech development, mental health and cognitive development. There is so much left to be studied about music and the brain. But one thing I know from my experience as a mom is that music was hugely instrumental in the development of my son's speech. (Perhaps too instrumental as he really likes to talk now.)
Music is awesome. Now what?
I set out to learn ways to make JAM as a whole more inclusive to clients with disabilities. I first attended a seminar about neurodiversity in the vocal studio taught by Dr. Shannon Coates through Full Voice Music. As a neurodiverse human myself with an ADHD diagnosis, I learned both how to support my students better and also myself. I altered our environment to include curtains on our windows in case the extra light was overstimulating. We installed sound paneling in every studio in an attempt to dampen some surrounding noise (although it turns out that is really challenging!) Upon meeting a new client, I let them know I am happy to adapt the room and lighting however they like it. I have a basket of fidgets in my studio at all times and I keep my favorite fidget right on my keyboard in case I need it to help me focus too.
Another great takeaway from Shannon's training was applicable to all client-teacher relationships and that was establishing a culture around predictability. Explaining what we are going to do next, how we will do it, demonstrating and then inviting the student to participate. That's not just respectful and helpful for transitioning students with neurodiverse backgrounds, its just plain good instruction but something that can get skipped very easily in lessons.
Learning to Adapt
I know what you're thinking. Its called Adaptive Music, of course you must learn to adapt. I have learned that no matter how prepared my lesson plans are, sometimes my student is not interested that day. Other times, they prefer to spend their entire lesson on one activity when I had four planned. This is really where I've enjoyed putting ego aside and just experiencing the joy of music alongside my student. The most important part is learning to communicate with them and always offering ways to include them. A great example of this is offering visual choices to students who are non-speaking through choice cards. I learned about this when I found Medley Music Access & Inclusion on TikTok. I immediately watched EVERY video on their account, purchased every supplement on their website and enrolled in their Adaptive Music training. Its completely transformed my teaching toolbox already and caused me to examine how I can continue to work toward inclusion and accessibility at JAM. While I love their songs and activities, my favorite thing about their work is that they have taught me to look at how I teach and what I teach through a wider lens to include all types of people, backgrounds and abilities.
I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my biggest influence for music access and inclusion--my dear friend and colleague Declan Boran-Ragotzy of No Limits Dance Academy. He is a visionary and a leader in adaptive arts in our community. I am humbled and lucky to work along side him for our upcoming production of Seussical Jr, a collab between JAM and No Limits. If I ever have questions, need encouragement or an ear to help me along, Declan is my first contact. Our entire community is better because Declan is part of it.
A Lot to Learn
I am by no means an expert in Adaptive Music Education. I am certain that I still have blindspots when it comes to accessibility and inclusion in our studio. I am, however, open to receiving feedback about ways to improve. I look forward tremendously to my Adaptive Music professional development training in July. It is my goal to develop our adaptive music lesson offerings in time for a fall launch. Join our newsletter to stay in the loop about adaptive music at JAM.
Have an Idea?
I am truly here to serve the greater Janesville community by making music accessible to everyone. If there is an adaptive music wish that you have, please contact me with your wish and preferred solutions. I would absolutely love to connect with you.
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