special needs
Webinar Series: 04/20/2018 – Gateway – Improving Fine Motor Function at the Piano
Karen discusses some very common fine motor challenges in students with special needs and ways in which teachers can address them in the Gateway curriculum, and addresses teacher questions about some of their students’ fine motor issues. Topics include: Typical Fine Motor Issues (00:05) Fine…
Webinar Series: 03/23/2018 – Gateway – What Can I Do If…..?
In this webinar you will hear about actual situations that teachers have encountered with their special needs students and learn from Karen’s expertise how best to handle those situations. Topics include: Using a Schedule with Students on the Spectrum (00:05) Difficulty Finding Black Note Groups…
Webinar Series: 02/16/2018 – Gateway – Spotlight on Parent/Coach Role
The role of the parent or coach with Gateway students can differ quite a bit from the role they play in the Simply Music Piano program. Learn why this is often necessary, ways in which you can still keep parents involved, and hear some real-life…
Webinar Series: 01/12/2018 – Gateway – Enhancing Your Students’ Experiences Through Singing
Vocalizing and singing adds a rich dimension to your lessons with students who have special needs. Karen talks about why that is, how to do incorporate it into your lessons, and answers teachers’ questions about students with various ability levels with regard to verbal communication.…
Parental non-disclosure of special needs
I’m in a bit of a teacher valley. A brand new 11-year-old student (just one month of lessons) has quit, though we had lots of good Foundation talks and relationship talks. He was progressing slowly but surely with the Basics and RH/LH of Dreams. He…
Webinar Series: 12/11/2017 – Gateway – Behavior Issues: Setting Boundaries & Developing Strategies
In this webinar, Karen Nisenson discusses some common behavior challenges present in students with profound processing disorders, potential triggers that lead to those behaviors, and best practices for ensuring a successful experience in your studio. Topics include: Introduction & Overview of Behaviors (00:08) Setting Up…
Webinar Series: 08/18/2017 – Gateway – Q & A
In this webinar Karen Nisenson, creator of the Gateway program, and Neil Moore give some background information about the recently released Simply Music Gateway curriculum and answer specific questions from the teacher body. Topics include: Simply Music Gateway – Background (00:00) Methodological Basis of Gateway…
Playlist management with autistic student
What would you recommend for this still quite new student of mine who is 19 years old and doesn’t like to review the first two songs he’s already learned, and could play without any help a few weeks back? The lady who guides him during…
Student picks up songs quickly
A delightful young adult with autism had his second lesson with me tonight. He loves patterns, numbers, and music, so of course Simply Music i?s a great fit. After playing Night Storm for him once, I told him “This song is all about 2’s. May…
Non-verbal autistic student
I’m going to be starting an autistic student who is non-verbal. I’m thinking I should create picture boards to set up the activities in the lesson. Can anyone offer other ideas/resources to assist in starting up this student? Also, do you have specific questionnaires that…