Music Therapists & Adaptive Practice

A Collaborative Approach to Whole‐Person Musicianship

Ars Musica welcomes collaboration with board‑certified music therapists, adaptive specialists, and inclusive educators committed to unlocking every person’s musical potential. Whether in clinical settings, schools, or home environments, we offer resources and partnerships grounded in dignity, creativity, and evidence-informed practice.

Synergy Between Music Education and Therapy

We view music education and music therapy as complementary forces. Our instructors:

  • Collaborate with referring music therapists, aides, and caregivers to align strategies,

  • Co‑design toolkits and lesson objectives that reinforce therapeutic goals,

  • Provide observation or co‑teaching opportunities to integrate instrument study into treatment plans.

This integrated model expects mutual enrichment: therapists facilitate access; teachers support mastery and self‑expression.

Adaptive Pedagogy Informed by Therapy

Our adaptive teaching draws from evidence in music therapy, occupational therapy, and disability studies. In our studios, students benefit from:

  • Visual‑sensory supports: visual schedules, cue cards, and tactile prompts,

  • Repertoire and modality adaptations for physical and neurological access,

  • Choice‑based planning, promoting agency and autonomy,

  • Embodied learning: movement‑rhythm integration, breath awareness, adaptive posture.

Such approaches support learners with autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory‑processing differences, and complex physical diagnoses. Research shows these strategies foster emotional well‑being, communication, and social connectedness—outcomes central to music therapy aims.

Adaptive Instruments and Modalities

We regularly use instruments and platforms well-suited for therapeutic environments:

  • AUMI (Adaptive Use Musical Instrument): webcam‑driven software developed by Pauline Oliveros and Deep Listening Institute; enables real‑time improvisation for users with limited physical mobility en.wikipedia.org+9americanstudies.ku.edu+9improvisationinstitute.ca+9.

  • Modified acoustic and digital keyboards (including adapted key layouts),

  • Color‑coded, large‑print notation and loop‑based composition tools,

  • Sensory‑friendly percussion instruments.

We also support learners using wheelchair seating, AAC devices, orthotics, hearing aids, or other assistive tools. We adapt instruments and learning environments to respect each learner’s physical and sensory comfort.

Referral, Collaboration, and Co‑Treatment

We actively seek referrals and collaboration from:

  • Music therapists (private practice or institutional),

  • School and early‑intervention MST staff,

  • Occupational or physical therapists,

  • Speech‑language pathologists.

When feasible, we offer:

  • Shared progress reporting for IEP/504 documentation,

  • Co‑taught lessons and demonstration experiences,

  • Parent/caregiver training and engagement,

  • Intern teaching opportunities and clinical observation.

Evidence and Values

Our practice adheres to contemporary therapeutic principles and research, including:

Let’s Collaborate

If you're a music therapist seeking a teaching partner, referral option, or collaborator in adaptive music, we'd be honored to connect. We believe meaningful outcomes emerge when therapeutic insight, pedagogical skill, and artistic integrity converge.

Please reach out to schedule a conversation, observation, or co‑teaching session. Our goal is shared: ensure every learner experiences not just access to music, but a lifelong invitation to belong in it.