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Struggling to connect with students who have speech and language difficulties? You're not alone. In this illuminating episode of the Creative Piano Pedagogy Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Davis Everhart launches a summer series, "So, I Have This Student..." dedicated to creative, out-of-the-box solutions for students who don't fit traditional teaching approaches.

We dive deep into practical strategies for teaching music to students with speech and language challenges, exploring both sides of lesson communication. The podcast introduces differentiated instruction as a game-changer, and Dr. Everhart shares innovative ways to let students respond without speaking, from using the piano itself to communicate choices to implementing simple hand signals and written responses.

At the heart of these strategies lies a profound respect for student dignity and a commitment to making music lessons about music—not extended conversation. By creating comfortable spaces where students can be themselves, teachers unlock genuine learning potential. Have questions about creative teaching strategies? Reach out through Instagram @creativepianopedagogy or email creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com to be featured in upcoming summer series episodes.

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Find the full transcript, show notes or links mentioned in the episode here!

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Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
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Summer brings a welcome change of pace for most piano teachers, but those of us teaching neurodivergent students face unique considerations that deserve thoughtful attention. While neurotypical students typically thrive with relaxed summer schedules, our students with disabilities often find comfort in routine and structure - making the summer transition more complex than simply switching to "fun mode."

The podcast explores this delicate balance, acknowledging that the mental preparation for teaching students with special needs remains significant even during summer months. This episode shares creative approaches to summer teaching, including composer studies focusing on movie scores (John Williams is a particular favorite!), activities that build on students' strengths, and techniques for giving students agency through carefully structured choices. We also explore alternative recital formats that accommodate diverse learners, like this year's successful "My Favorite Things" themed event that combined in-person and virtual performances with relaxed outdoor activities.

Click here to check out the fun and interactive games from Carnegie Hall Elizabeth shared about in this episode! (Animal or Instrument is a huge favorite!)

Have a question about a particular teaching scenario for the new podcast series? Send it to creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com - your query might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Support the show

Find the full transcript, show notes or links mentioned in the episode here!

Subscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more.

Subscribe to the Creative Piano Pedagogy Blog:
On the website
Follow on Facebook
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Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com

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Playing piano is a much more physical activity than most people realize, requiring complex coordination that many of us take for granted. For neurodivergent learners, the physical aspects of piano playing often become unexpected obstacles.
This episode dives deep into adaptive piano technique, exploring how teachers can modify their approaches for students whose bodies and minds process movement differently. The episode outlines six powerful principles for adapting technique for neurodivergent learners. Connect with the Creative Piano Pedagogy Podcast on social media to see upcoming demonstration videos that will visualize these techniques in action!

Support the show

Find the full transcript, show notes or links mentioned in the episode here!

Subscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more.

Subscribe to the Creative Piano Pedagogy Blog:
On the website
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on YouTube

Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com