Teaching Music to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This course will center on the book Teaching Music to Students with Autism (second edition) by Alice Hammel and Ryan Hourigan. We will examine the book as we study the ways cognition, communication, and socialization are all present within our classrooms as well as ways to make our process of music teaching and learning more applicable to students who learn differently. Students will engage in discussion boards and choose projects of interest to them as they work through the 12 week class.

Course Objectives:

1. Demonstrate awareness of the political, social, and historical contexts of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. Be prepared to work as a music educator within an inclusive and collaborative educational structure.
3. Develop a keen awareness of, and strong commitment to, teaching the full range of learners with ASD.
4. Anticipate high-priority needs, as well as effectively teach and make routine accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

Course Learning Outcomes:

After completing this music education course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the cognition differences in students with ASD
2. Understand the communication differences in students with ASD
3. Understand the socialization differences in students with ASD
4. Plan appropriate music classroom learning experiences for students with ASD

* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the four digit course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].