Resilience and Adaptive Management in Piano Pedagogy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Abstract

The co-authors are a concert pianist with the autism spectrum condition (ASC) Asperger's syndrome (Nitzberg) and an ethnomusicologist who researches autism (Bakan). Through their collaboration, they aim to develop effective piano pedagogy methods for students with ASC–also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)–and promote neurodiversity and improved quality of life for autistic individuals. The centerpiece of the article is an annotated, five-item list of “dos and don'ts” for teaching piano to people with Asperger's syndrome. Situating that list within Titon's concepts of adaptive management and resilience, Nitzberg and Bakan propose that beyond their direct value in music education, the interpersonal pedagogical engagements explored hold further relevance for what they might reveal generally about the role of musical cultures in sustaining communities and (eco)systems.