Self-Contained Adapted Music Classes

For some students with severe needs the Least Restrictive Environment is a self-contained setting in which intensive supports for students are available. When music educators are asked to teach music in a self-contained setting, the inclusive general music class then becomes an adapted music class with different goals and classroom structures.

Primary instructional focuses of an adapted music class should be for students to experience music through movement, singing, playing, listening, and creating and to enhance student music learning at appropriate developmental and age levels for students.

Advantages for teaching students in an adapted music classes are: (a) music teachers are working with students with similar abilities, learning needs, and goals, (b) there are fewer number of students in the adapted music classes and, (c) music Instruction can be focused on students’ specific needs with more support being offered.

A disadvantage for teaching students in self-contained adapted music classes is that students in the self-contained class do not get the chance to socialize and interact with age level peers. One idea for addressing this issue is to invite general education students to participate in the adapted music class alongside the students with special needs. Selected general education students in this setting can support students with special needs by helping develop students’ musical, academic, and social skills. One goal would be that after participating in this type of music class students with special needs would develop skills that would allow them to be able to transition into an inclusive general music class alongside their peers.