Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities: A Label-Free Approach

The latest edition of the landmark text Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities: A Label-Free Approach--designed for music education faculty, in-service music administrators, in-service music teachers, and preservice music teachers--offers a comprehensive manual and reference guide that introduces those in the field of music education to best practices when teaching music to students with differences and disabilities. Acclaimed pedagogues and clinicians Alice Hammel and Ryan Hourigan addresses a variety of topics such as research-based strategies for methods courses, practical approaches for in-service music educators, and professional development grounded in research, special education law, and best practice. Like previous editions, a core focus this book is that a student with differences and disabilities is an individual who deserves a music education that is free of labels. This philosophical premise of a label-free approach is centered in the preservation of the individual personhood of each student. Through this approach, music educators will be able to gain and advocate for support, understand their rights and responsibilities, and offer an affective and effective music education for students with and without disabilities. This includes learning strategies for effective collaboration with special educators, teacher educators, and classroom teachers. The authors also include curriculum development ideas, lesson plan strategies, observation strategies (methods classroom), and practical ideas (methods classroom).

Table of Contents:
THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES Public School Education within a Democracy Chapter 2: The Current Structure of Special Education in Our Schools PREPARING TO TEACH MUSIC TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Chapter 3: Preparing to Teach: Practicum and Engagement Opportunities in Special Education for Preservice and In-Service Music Educators Chapter 4: A Resourceful and Pedagogical Approach to Teaching Students with Differences and Disabilities PRACTICAL CLASSROOM ADAPTATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE MUSIC CLASSROOM Chapter 5: Developing a Student-Centered and Inclusive Music Classroom Chapter 6: Curriculum and Assessment for Students with Differences and Disabilities Chapter 7: Teaching Strategies for Performers with Differences and Disabilities Chapter 8: Teaching Music to Students Who Are Intellectually Gifted RESOURCES FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS Chapter 9: Resources for Music Teachers and Music Teacher Educators Regarding Teaching Students with Special Needs

About the Author :
Alice M. Hammel, Virginia (USA) Outstanding Music Educator of the Year (2018) and current President of the Virginia Music Educators Association (USA), is a widely known music educator, author, and clinician whose experience in music is extraordinarily diverse. She a member of the faculty of University of Arkansas and has many years of experience teaching instrumental and choral music in public and private schools. She also teaches online courses through many institutions throughout the United States. She has maintained a large, independent flute studio for over 35 years. Ryan M. Hourigan (2010 Indiana Music Educators Association Outstanding University Music Educator of the Year, 2021 University of Michigan Kendall Award winner) joined the faculty at Ball State University in the fall of 2006 after nine years of teaching music at the secondary and university level in Illinois. Dr. Hourigan holds degrees from Eastern Illinois University (B.M.), Michigan State University (M.M. Wind Conducting) and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The University of Michigan. Dr. Hourigan currently is professor of music education and is the former Director of the School of Music at Ball State University.

Review :
This insightful text provides practical strategies grounded in the latest research. I appreciate each chapter's interesting, thought-provoking discussion questions. Hammel & Hourigan have created a progressive resource which music educators at all levels will find useful. What a practical resource for the music classroom! This book explains the jargon and provides insight into the humanity and privilege of working with students with special needs. Its many suggestions for adaptations/modifications are invaluable. Hammel & Hourigan have created a manual that provides a pathway to a better understanding of the myriad challenges of students with special needs in the music class, and clearly outlines both the opportunities and challenges music teachers may meet in providing their students a rewarding music experience. This book is a resource, a guide, and a handbook that should find a place of immediate and consistent access on every music teacher's desk. Music educators teaching in early childhood through college settings can benefit from the resources and practical applications in this publication. Hammel & Hourigan provide means for educators to effectively teach ALL learners. Every music educator should own this valuable resource! An eminently practical guidebook that equips teachers with proven curricular strategies. A wonderful guide for working with students who have special needs...Incredibly informative and an important resource for any teacher. Clear, concise, and accessible to music educators...The authors have done an excellent job of presenting their information...The book has a multitude of strengths, and I would highly recommend it for music educators at any stage of their careers.