Adaptive Lessons

“Music begins inside human beings and so must any instruction. Not at the instrument, not with the first finger, nor with the first position. Not with this or that chord. The starting point is one’s own stillness, listening to oneself, the ‘being ready for music.’”

Carl Orff

Specialized Instruction

In adaptive lessons, students are paired with a provider who has experience implementing specialized tools and strategies to support neurodivergent or physically limited learners. Candidates for this service may include people with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Down Syndrome

  • Global delay

  • Life limiting injury (including brain injury)

  • Limb difference

  • Visual impairment

Adaptive lesson instructors are creative with their lesson planning, often adjusting their methods over the course of working with a student to better fit their needs.

Scenarios

  • A student on the Autism spectrum who often becomes overwhelmed and frustrated with lengthy verbal instruction begins adaptive piano lessons.

    The teacher simplifies their language, utilizing simple 2-3 word phrases and gestural, nonverbal communication to guide the student at their own pace through the material.

  • A student with physical and visual limitations due to brain injury begins adaptive guitar lessons.

    The teacher provides a variety of strategies and exercises to improve confidence with gross and fine motor skills related to the new skill. They provide high-contrast images and visually simple diagrams to teach concepts.

  • A student with Down syndrome is excited to begin ukulele lessons, but occasionally struggles with focus and motivation.

    The teacher improvises fun, engaging games and activities to teach skills. They provide sticker progress charts and practice checklists to support the student’s motivation to master their new skills.

Rates

We offer three different lesson lengths to accommodate the learning level of the student. Invoices for lessons are sent via email on the tenth of each month following attendance with three payment options: free ACH transfer, credit card payment (with convenience fee), or a mailed check.

  • $37.50

  • $56.25

  • $75

The GSMT team members take the approach that every student learns best in their own style. Our hope is that students in all stages of life can sit with their instrument and create meaningful music.