 A Music Program for Students with Special Needs at The Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
The No Bounds Music Program was initiated by Rachael Finnerty and embraced by Vitek Wincza at the HCA in September 2007. It has since brought piano instruction and music education to many students with diverse diagnosis. The program is proud to be the first of its kind offering music instruction to students with special needs in a main stream learning environment.
As a music therapist, Rachael had many of her clients’ parents’ ask for piano lessons in conjunction with the goals of their music therapy sessions. Experience had taught many parents that most piano teachers are not equipped to teach a child with a special need.
The No Bounds piano lessons at the HCA are provided by music therapists who are educated and experienced in working with students who need to learn outside of the traditional teaching framework. This is not music therapy.
The piano is introduced in a variety of fashions depending on the student’s needs. An assessment is made to determine the teaching approach, and learning strategies are used to highlight the child’s abilities in creating music on the piano.
The program provides many learning opportunities such as; reading music notes, playing by ear, understanding rhythm, tempo, dynamics, music symbols and developing technique.
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