Autism and Music: Another Door Opens - Part III

Nick age 2

Most people will not let their youngsters near that costly piece of furniture.  Not me.  My boys were encouraged to play my digital or grand piano at a very young age.  I wasn't so keen on all of them playing at once, so I purchased other keyboards or bells.

At a young age, most children have a natural sense of rhythm and are drawn to music.  To keep my boys interested in playing the piano, I knew I had to keep music fun.  I thought of what I liked and enjoyed from my own teachers, and I incorporated those techniques in my own teaching method.  If I thought of something that I didn't like from my former teachers, I didn't use it with my own students, especially my own boys.

Michael age 14

The first thing I don't do is insist that the lesson always be at the piano.  A typical lesson is 30 minutes, and sitting that long for some kids is painful.  When I see a student squirm, we get up.  Rhythm can be taught away from the keyboard, so we focus on rhythm.  I stomp the rhythm on the floor, and my student imitates.  Or I might get a drum to beat, and then offer the drum to my student to copy.  This is just one example of trying to keep the musical experience enjoyable.

Ryan age 3

This worked well for my boys too.  Movement for them was important.  I didn't know my boys had autism when they were so young, but reflecting back, movement helped them integrate into our world.  Ryan and Cameron were spinners.  They could spin for hours if I let them.  I later learned this was a way for them to relieve stress.

Now the boys are older, and the protests abound.  "I'd rather finish my computer game," anyone of them might say.  One time Ryan said he had to finish his chores before he could play the piano.  Well, not much has changed.  I thought of excuses too, but my parents simply said, "Piano, now."

To minimize the conflict, I let the boys pick music that appeals to them.  Movie themes, by far, are the most requested.  Musical selections from Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, or any John Williams tune are the most sought after.  Of course, songs on the radio also inspire my sons.  However, the more advanced they get, the more traditional or classical the music pieces become.  Mozart and Beethoven are never far out of reach.

When they have learned a piece, they have such a sense of accomplishment.  The self discipline required balances out this "instant-gratification" culture of ours. 

Part IV:  the rewards.