Autism and Learning a Musical Instrument
Advice and tips for parents of neurodivergent children.
Autism impacts the way individuals perceive the world and engage with others. Although autism presents unique challenges, it also brings distinctive skills and strengths, and music is one area where those strengths can genuinely be harnessed.
In this guide, we explore the real advantages of music for autistic individuals, offer guidance on choosing the right instrument, and share the adaptive teaching techniques our own teachers use.
Emotional Expression
Emotional expression can be a challenge for many autistic people. Music serves as an alternative form of communication, enabling individuals to express their feelings through melodies and rhythms, fostering a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction.
Development of Social Skills
Engaging in group music lessons or ensemble performances provides ample opportunities for social interaction. Individuals with autism can acquire valuable social skills such as collaboration, turn-taking and active listening within a nurturing environment.
Improvement of Motor Skills
Mastering a musical instrument demands coordination and fine motor skills. Consistent practice can help develop these abilities, leading to enhancements in everyday tasks and activities.
Communication Enhancement
Music can act as a catalyst for language development. Learning to read sheet music, identifying patterns, and following instructions are all crucial skills that can transfer directly to communication and language development.
What instrument is more suitable to learn?
Assessing Your Child's Interests
Introduce your child to a variety of instruments and observe their reactions. Choosing an instrument they're genuinely excited about and motivated to learn is essential for their success.
Evaluating Physical Abilities
Assess your child's strength and dexterity when selecting an instrument. A keyboard, for example, may suit a child with fine motor difficulties better than a stringed instrument.
Consider Sensory Sensitivities
Many autistic individuals have sensory sensitivities. Take volume, tactile sensation and instrument complexity into account before making a decision.
Consult Professional Educators
Speak to music educators experienced with neurodivergent pupils. They can advise on your child's learning style, adaptive teaching methods and suitable instrument choices.
Fully Adaptive Structured Learning Techniques
Task Analysis
Breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, letting the learner focus on one aspect of a skill at a time, gradually building confidence and competency.
Visual Schedules
Pictures or written instructions that create a visual representation of the lesson plan, helping a student understand the sequence of activities and transition between tasks.
Modified Instructions
Simplifying and personalising language, using clear, concise phrasing and visual aids to reinforce key points.
Use of Technology
Apps, video tutorials and digital instruments that make learning more engaging and provide extra avenues for practice and exploration.
External Motivators
Praise and tangible rewards used as positive reinforcement, acknowledging progress and achievements along the way.
Internal Motivators
Helping students recognise the intrinsic value of playing music: personal accomplishment, growing self-esteem and the simple pleasure of making music.
Collaborative Learning
Encouraging collaboration between students, teachers and parents, sharing ideas and successes to build a genuine sense of community.
Cognitive Skills Development
Music stimulates the parts of the brain responsible for memory, attention and problem-solving, leading to real improvements in cognitive functioning over time.
Stress Reduction & Emotional Regulation
Music can have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Playing an instrument gives a healthy outlet for emotions and supports better emotional regulation.
Boosting Self-Esteem & Confidence
Mastering an instrument brings a genuine sense of accomplishment, and that confidence tends to carry over into social interactions and academic performance too.
Further Teaching Strategies
Sensory Integration Techniques
Weighted blankets, fidget tools, adjusted lighting or background noise, and movement breaks, all used to help a learner feel comfortable and focused.
Individualised Instruction
Tailoring lesson plans and materials to each student's strengths and interests, staying flexible and adaptable throughout.
Patience & Consistency
Allowing ample time to process information and complete tasks, with consistent feedback and support to help a student succeed.
Parental Involvement & Support
Regular communication between teachers and parents, with parents actively involved at home, leads to a more consistent approach and greater progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments work best for autistic children?
There is no universal answer, as the ideal instrument depends on the child's interests, abilities and sensory sensitivities. Commonly recommended instruments include keyboards, percussion and wind instruments.
How can I find a music teacher who specialises in working with autistic students?
Consult local music schools, search online for specialist instructors, or ask for recommendations from other parents or therapists. Morningside School of Music in Edinburgh has specialist teachers with real experience and knowledge of neurodiversity.
Can group music lessons be beneficial for autistic individuals?
Yes. Group music lessons can provide real opportunities for social interaction and skill development in a structured, supportive environment.
How can I help my autistic child stay motivated to practise their instrument?
Use a combination of external motivators, such as rewards and praise, and internal motivators, like recognising personal accomplishments and the enjoyment of making music.
What role can technology play in teaching music to autistic individuals?
Technology can be genuinely valuable for engagement, offering apps, video tutorials and digital instruments that help students practise and explore music more interactively.
Are there any books you'd recommend?
Early Childhood Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: Supporting Children and Their Families, by Kern & Humpal, is an excellent starting point for understanding the options available for supporting a child through music and music therapy.
Summary
Music has the potential to transform the lives of autistic people in numerous ways, from enhancing emotional expression and social skills to reducing stress and boosting self-confidence. By carefully selecting the right instrument, employing effective teaching techniques, and fostering a supportive learning environment, autistic learners can genuinely flourish in their musical pursuits.
Paul is the founder, Group Managing Director and owner of Polar Flame Music, which owns Morningside School of Music, as well as a music school in Europe. He has dedicated over 25 years to teaching children and adults how to play musical instruments. Being autistic himself, he brings a unique, personal perspective to his work. He has performed and collaborated with numerous international music artists.
Paul’s academic passion lies in musical education for neurodivergent learners. He has studied at the University of St Andrews, Edinburgh Napier University, North Glasgow College, Jewel and Esk Valley College, and the University of Edinburgh, and is a published author of several academic music books available worldwide.
As a guest professor at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Paul has also lectured at Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, and the University of South-Eastern Norway. He is part of the Court of Assistants at the Royal Society of Musicians in London, a member of The Incorporated Society of Musicians, and a Fellow of both The Royal Scottish Society of Arts in Edinburgh and The Royal Society of Arts in London.
In 2024, Paul was awarded an MBE by the Princess Royal at the Palace of Holyrood for his services to entrepreneurship and the music industry. Beyond music, he has previously served as a non-executive director of the animal welfare charity OneKind, and has also previously held the position of non-executive director at Animal Concern.
Talk it through with us first
If you’re a parent in Edinburgh considering music lessons for an autistic child, we’d genuinely like to talk it through with you, no pressure, just a conversation about what might work.