Lessons for Diverse Learners
Special Music Lessons
ADHD, diverse learning styles, and the advantages of personalized music lessons
With daily routines increasingly dominated by a high-speed pace, loads of homework and other demanding school activities, phones and computers, limited time to rest and decompress, children with ADHD and those with different learning styles can easily get overwhelmed and lose interest for new learning experiences. Music here can really help them greatly.
Music, with its rhythmic and engaging nature, provides a structured form of stimulation that enhances attentiveness, achieving a more optimal state of focus and concentration.
Several studies found that children who took music lessons showed better auditory connectivity in the brain.
Music promotes calm. Children with a tendency to hyperactivity find during music lessons the ability to channel excess energy. When extraneous stimuli kick in, music brings back to stillness.
Typical ADHD behavior is observed to be absent in moments of active music making and performance. In musical settings children can more effectively self-express and self-perceive.
Attention span is one of the biggest variants in learning. For children who struggle with concentration, a traditional approach to music teaching does not work and can actually lead to increased anxiety and loss of motivation.
After teaching children with ADHD and autism for several years, Miss Marino, director of Mondo Music School, and her team of educators have developed specific teaching patterns that have proven highly effective. These patterns not only aid in learning an instrument or singing but also positively impact the child's well-being, confidence, productivity, communication styles, and self-expression. Let's dive more into the specificity of our lessons.
OUR SPECIFIC LESSONS FOR CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT LEARNING NEEDS
Our dedicated teachers meticulously plan each weekly lesson, carefully selecting material that aligns with the unique learning and communication style, nature, and personality of each student. We divide lessons into short work periods. This helps keeping the motivation high, while very quick breaks during the session prevent burnout and boredom. We provide 'in the-moment' responses to students' individual needs. Most importantly, we prioritize the relationship with the young learners. Music lessons are not just lessons. We focus on building trust, showing the importance of patience, we offer guidance and inspire children to be their truest self, in a calm and always cheerful environment.
We choose a more creative and "out of the box" lessons structure over a perfectionistic teaching methodology.
A less regimental approach to reading notes and playing really makes the difference with ADHD students and makes the learning process more accessible and empowering.
Often parents ask us: which instrument is best in this case? There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, however, we can offer some things to consider.
CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT WHEN FOCUSING IS NOT THE CHILD'S FORTE
The guitar and ukulele are among the best instruments for individuals with ADHD because they primarily serve as rhythm setters and offer the advantage of mobility. The piano is an excellent choice because it's the most visually appealing instrument, and its symmetries can aid the brain in quickly finding solutions. Learning drums is fantastic because it demonstrates the art of repetitions and the significance of maintaining focus on the rhythm.
Of course, the voice, the most primordial instrument, is probably the most powerful tool in a child's journey of self-discovery and expression. Children with ADHD often express interest in playing multiple instruments and seem to find more joy in doing so. This occasionally helps alleviate the feeling of boredom that focusing on a single instrument can bring. Switching between different instruments and playing patterns that are physically different can also be more refreshing and less overwhelming for the brain.
While we don't recommend starting a lesson in one instrument and quitting soon after to begin learning a different one, we encourage a more holistic approach that combines different levels of sounds and rhythms within the same lesson. We incorporate the use of the voice in each instrumental lesson. We work with GarageBand to add different sounds to the specific instrument the child is learning. During a guitar lesson, we use shakers and other small percussions. We also jam with the student, playing a different instrument than the one they are learning. Additionally, we have them record their songs or short melodies on the piano, so that the activity of listening back becomes another instrumental layer of the lesson.
ARE VIRTUAL LESSONS GOOD OR BAD FOR STUDENTS WITH ADHD?
Virtual music lessons can be especially helpful for students who have a harder time focusing. Learning from home often feels more comfortable and less distracting, and online tools-like recorded lessons, slower playback, and interactive music apps-make it easier for students to review and learn at their own pace. Flexible scheduling also helps reduce stress for busy families, giving students more energy to stay focused on their music. Online or in person, lessons provide a consistent routine that supports growth and focus.
This is the kind of environment where these children can really connect and thrive with an instrument.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek out the highest quality of music lessons that can provide specialized support and guidance to help them embark on their best musical journey.
Book a FREE lesson with our Music Director, who will assess your musicianship, advise you on the most suitable music training for your specific goals, instrument, and learning style, and assist you in selecting the best teacher
