Presenter Information
Eric Baker, Music Education and Music Performance
Abstract
In recent years, there has been progress in strategies for teaching students to play string instruments in orchestra. However, special education in correlation with the string classroom is still lacking with useful information that can be used to aid our students and teachers. Due to this lack of information, it is difficult for teachers to have all their students feel involved in their class. After a thorough review of string special education literature, I compiled a list of resources that can be used to move this profession forward. These findings range from different teaching strategies to manipulating the instrument to help a student with a certain disability. Along with this, the research gives examples to aid students with specific disabilities, as well as adaptations that could work with multiple different disabilities. Strategies and adaptations originated from K-12 teachers in various school districts, and collegiate professors who specialize in special education. This will act as a starting point that can begin to point teachers in the right direction.
School
Mary Pappert School of Music
Advisor
Rachel Whitcomb, Ed. D
Submission Type
Paper
Publication Date
April 2018
The Inclusive Orchestra: Adapting String Instruments and Instruction for Musicians with Special Needs
In recent years, there has been progress in strategies for teaching students to play string instruments in orchestra. However, special education in correlation with the string classroom is still lacking with useful information that can be used to aid our students and teachers. Due to this lack of information, it is difficult for teachers to have all their students feel involved in their class. After a thorough review of string special education literature, I compiled a list of resources that can be used to move this profession forward. These findings range from different teaching strategies to manipulating the instrument to help a student with a certain disability. Along with this, the research gives examples to aid students with specific disabilities, as well as adaptations that could work with multiple different disabilities. Strategies and adaptations originated from K-12 teachers in various school districts, and collegiate professors who specialize in special education. This will act as a starting point that can begin to point teachers in the right direction.