Special Education for Piano

[rgh55]

Hello,

I recently accepted a 13 year old new student who has been mentally handicapped since birth due to a brain injury. (I currently teach his brother.)

Does anyone have any suggestions on which books to use?  He is a visual learner.  His first lesson consisted of placing his hands in C Posistion and playing from C to G.  I used stickers to mark the C's.

Thanks!!

[neciebugs]

I am a special ed teacher, and a piano teacher. I hope to one day have students with special needs in my home studio. That being said...

Patience, repetition, and eclecticism... If he is a visual learner, you might want to try Faber but if he is cognitively older than 10, perhaps not. Bastien seems to be very visual (early beginner) also.

When I teach academic curriculum at my school, I am CONSTANTLY revising what I teach until my students grasp what has been taught. Then I always incorporate a level of review each day. Especially with a brain injury, the student may have short term memory. I have a student with TBI and he can do algebra, but he needs a lot of review, visual and verbal reminders... He has become more independent over the last year, but his memory is very poor. My boyfriend teaches him piano at my school, and it is more about the fun and enjoyment of playing.

Don't hold your expectations too low, or the student will not feel challenged. Don't hold them to high, or they will give up. It is a tough balance, but keep on top of it, it will be very rewarding.

Hope this helps!

~Denise