Progress

Progress comes in so many forms in the work of music education for individuals of all abilities. This week's progress snapshots looked something like this:

Kiddos doing repetitions slowly without getting frustrated that (s)he didn't get it right the first time!

Some folks might be thinking "meh" that's expected isn't it? But nope, it was quite a "yes!" moment! That is indicative of growth on many levels apart from music playing skills(in itself comprising a whole bunch of techniques):

• resilience
• attention 
• focus
• patience
• regulation of emotions

... just to name a few.

And yes... all the above are necessary in learning a music instrument. Admittedly, there are days when patience runs short but any effort on their part should be well acknowledged. 

Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that for some neurodiverse individuals, it can be:

• challenging to focus on just one spot and work on it for mastery..
• frustrating when fingers are not responding the way they want them to...
• discouraging when "flow" in movement does not come as naturally..

However, what can't be done today, doesn't mean it cannot be done over time. That's where teachers and therapists come in. We chip away alongside with them, slowly, sensitively,  patiently and positively; setting the right level of challenge, putting in place suitable handles and scaffold that they can grasp as they press on.

It is vital that we do not hurry the process. This would inhibit the space they need to process , try out and practice what they are learning. Hurrying usually adds anxiety to both ourselves and the kiddos which jams up the whole teaching and learning process ( speaking from experience that is!) :)

Might I add, the little kiddos all gave a bashful smile when their efforts to do "difficult stuff" were acknowledged.. all the time whilst trying to look "chill" at the same time.

Keep calm and music on!

#ResilienceBuilding #musicforkids #practice #musictherapy #inclusivity #developmentaldisabilities #InclusiveEducation