Teaching the Special Student: A Survey of Independent Music Teachers with Implications for Music Therapists

Abstract

A survey of independent music teachers was undertaken to examine (a) the degree to which private music teachers encounter teaching difficulties with exceptional and disabled students and students with unusual learning differences, and (b) the nature of the difficulties experienced when dealing with these students. A 16-question survey was distributed nationwide to 576 members of the Music Teachers National Association. Surveys were returned by 177 music teachers, and an additional 16 non-respondents were randomly selected and surveyed by telephone. Results of the survey questions were tabulted and reported in percentages. Survey results were interpreted in terms of the expectations music teachers hold for consulting therapists, the services and preparation music therapy degree programs should provide to enhance this consulting function, and recommendations for including special education techniques and materials in music teacher education.