Musical Minds & Hearts

  Introduction  As a music teacher, I used to think repetition was just a tool for practice. But with autistic learners, I've come to understand repetition as a comfort, a language, and even a window into how they think. 1. Repetition as Security Autistic children often find comfort in familiar patterns. Repeating a song or musical phrase can bring calm and confidence. 2. How Music Naturally Incorporates Repetition Musical structure—rhythms, refrains, motifs—makes repetition feel natural, not forced. This is why many autistic learners gravitate toward music. 3. Respecting Repetition Requests I used to resist when a child wanted to play the same song five times. Now, I see it as a way they're regulating or exploring something deeper. 4. When to Gently Stretch Beyond It Over time, I’ve learned to add small changes within repetition—like a new dynamic or rhythm—so growth happens without disrupting comfort. Conclusion: Repetition in music is not just about drilling technique—it...

  Introduction Teaching music has taught me to really listen not just to the sounds, but to the child behind the music. I used to follow strict lesson plans, but I’ve learned that the best learning happens when I follow the child’s lead, use visual aids and patterns, and let them improvise before I give instructions. 1. Following the Child’s Lead Some children show us what they need in surprising ways. When I started letting the child’s interests guide the lesson, I saw that they became more focused and confident. Instead of forcing what I thought they should learn, I paid attention to their pace and mood and adapted. This made lessons feel like a shared experience, not just me teaching. 2. Using Visual Aids and Patterns I found that many learners respond really well to visual tools like simple charts, color-coded notes, and clear repeating patterns. These help make tricky ideas easier to understand. Patterns give kids a sense of structure and help them feel successful, especially ...

  Personal Reflection Introduction: Some kids don’t talk much, but they feel deeply. I once taught a little boy who rarely spoke, but music opened a door into his emotions that words couldn’t. 1. Music That Moved Him Whenever we played a sad tune, he’d grow quiet and teary. But when we switched to something upbeat, he’d burst into laughter or start dancing. His feelings came alive through music. 2. Finding Calm in Sound There were tough days too, when he seemed overwhelmed or shut down. But all it took was a soft lullaby to help him settle. The right song always seemed to find him. 3. Listening Differently That experience changed how I teach. I stopped just focusing on notes and started paying attention to feelings. Music became our way of having a conversation that didn’t need words. Conclusion: Music can be so much more than a subject we teach. For many children, especially those who don’t speak easily, it’s how they tell their stories, show their feelings, and feel understood. ?...

Music speaks where words cannot—and this is especially true for nonverbal children. As a music educator working with neurodiverse learners, I’ve seen how music can become a powerful language of expression, connection, and learning. While teaching nonverbal children presents unique challenges, it also opens the door to incredibly meaningful experiences—for both student and teacher. Here are five essential tips that have helped me successfully teach music to nonverbal children, allowing their musicality to shine through regardless of speech.  1.  Focus on Visual and Sensory Cues Nonverbal learners rely heavily on  visual aids  and  sensory experiences . Incorporate: Color-coded notes or instruments Picture schedules of the lesson routine Hand signals or gesture-based instructions Sensory-friendly instruments like hand drums or bells This approach helps learners predict what comes next and engage more confidently. Use Repetition and Routine Nonverbal learners thriv...

  Introduction: As a music teacher, I’ve taught students of many ages and abilities. But nothing has touched my heart more deeply than working with young autistic children who discover joy and expression through the piano. In this post, I’ll share my journey and what I’ve learned about how music connects beyond words. 1. The Unexpected Student My first experience was with a nonverbal 5-year-old. She couldn’t speak, but she could mimic complex melodies after one listen. That moment changed everything for me. 2. Why the Piano Works Piano offers structure, patterns, and immediate sound feedback—all ideal for autistic learners. The keys become a playground of expression. 3. The Emotional Connection One student would cry during sad music, laugh at upbeat songs, and visibly calm down with simple lullabies. This proved music was more than a skill—it was a language. 4. What I Now Do Differently I follow the child’s lead. I use visual aids and patterns. I allow improvisation before instruct...