This book offers one approach for teaching piano to students with special needs.

Autistic people and musical individuals often have perfect pitch, a gift they were born with. The musical gift may be accompanied with learning differences such as reading comprehension problems, trouble with mathematics, and significant difficulties in learning how to read music. This book was written by a music therapist and an autistic researcher, and is endorsed by leading experts in the field of autism and special-needs education. The Rancer Method is presented as page-by-page instructions to be implemented with readily-available method books so that every piano teacher can follow it and do well by their students. "By focusing on the abilities rather than the deficits of people with learning, perceptual, motor, and other differences, Kupferstein and Rancer have developed a revolutionary piano pedagogy that will empower individuals with autism and other differences by unleashing the power of what can be done." Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D. Internationally known professor, consultant, speaker, and author on issues related to the autism spectrum and special education. Person on the autism spectrum "This book will help the quirky kid who is different to be successful in music. This method may help open musical doors for many individuals on the autism spectrum." Temple Grandin, author Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain.

In the United States today, there are approximately 4 million children with a disability, many of whom are interested in--and capable of--learning a musical instrument, but are unable to find an instructor willing to take them on as students. Over the past decade, Karen Z. Kowalski, a pediatric occupational therapist and professional piano instructor, has combined OT applications with music theory to design a program that teaches piano to individuals with special needs--from the first private session to the, yes, concert hall. "Playing It Their Way" is based on her popular series of lectures designed to educate music instructors on the rewards of teaching this special--and still untapped--population of students. Using a lively mix of anecdotes and practical instruction, Kowalski offers tried-and-true methods (conventional and otherwise) for teaching music to special-needs students. Conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorders and autism are presented in an easy-to-understand format and geared specifically to music teachers. "Playing It Their Way" inspires instructors as well as parents to realize the musical potential in every disabled child.

The easiest way to start playing piano. Kids love it. Put the numbered stickers on your keys and you're ready to play.

Transformational Piano Teaching: Mentoring Students from All Walks of Life examines the concept of the piano teacher as someone who is more than just a teacher of a musical skill, but also someone who wields tremendous influence on the development of a young person's artistic and empathic potential, as well as their lifelong personal motivational framework. The specific attributes of today's students are explored, including family and peer influences from interpersonal relationships to social media. Additionally, students from specific circumstances are discussed, including those with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and Depression. Finally, motivation of a teacher's students is related to a teacher's own motivation in their work, as a cycle of positivity and achievement will be recommended as a way to keep an instructor's work fresh and exciting.

The Second Edition of Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs offers updated accounts of music educators' experiences, featured as vignettes throughout the book. An accompanying Practical Resource includes lesson plans, worksheets, and games for classroom use. As a practical guide and reference manual, Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs, Second Edition addresses special needs in the broadest possible sense to equip teachers with proven, research-based curricular strategies that are grounded in both best practice and current special education law. Chapters address the full range of topics and issues music educators face, including parental involvement, student anxiety, field trips and performances, and assessment strategies. The book concludes with an updated list of resources, building upon the First Edition's recommendations.