I can’t wait

for this. This

is so much

fun!

Pupil in Music Generation

Sligo Class

This leaflet provides advice for Music Generation Sligo tutors

and class teachers planning for and implementing the

Discovering Music Programme with pupils with autism.

Further details of research on which this leaflet is based can

be found at: http://www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie/contutti.

Planning for Music Generation Sligo Classes: A Guide for Class Teachers and Music Generation Tutors

Fiona Jennings and Ailbhe O’ Halloran

Music and Autism

Learning music may have potential benefits for pupils with

ASD. They may have an opportunity to develop a skill they

can excel in or that can allow them access to social

interactions in school and the community. It may also help

them in developing their communication and social skills.

Pupils with autism may have particular strengths and

challenges in relation to learning music. Strengths include

superior pitch and sensitivity to music. Challenges may

relate to difficulties with communication and group work,

concentration and sensory sensitivities.

Collaboration between the class teacher and the Music

Generation tutor can ensure positive outcomes for pupils with

autism in music classes.

Tips for Music Generation Tutors Get to know the classroom

Try to organise a visit to the class to meet the teacher and the pupils.

Observe how the teacher organises the environment.

Ask the teacher what supports they use.

Find out what language and communication strategies are used.

Get to know the pupil with autism

Find out the pupils strengths, musical skills, learning needs and interests.

Find out what behaviour management strategies work well for the pupil.

Find out if the pupil has any sensory sensitivities.

Find out about the pupils musical skills and interests.

Plan your lessons

Adapt your lessons to meet individual strengths, needs and interests.

Prepare your music class schedule and turn taking rota.

Create visual supports for your lessons.

Use a mixture of quiet and active activities.

Modify your language to meet pupil needs.

Reflect on lessons and adapt as appropriate.

Remember that structure and routine are essential when planning and

implementing your lessons

For more information and advice

on including pupils with autism in

music education classes refer to

the Con Tutti Music Education and

Autism Resource Booklet and CD

available from Music Generation

Sligo.

E: MusicGenerationSligo@msletb.ie T: +353 71 913 8306 http://www.musicgenerationsligo.com

Collaboration

Organise a time to meet to discuss lessons and pupil learning, if possible.

Agree the roles of the Music Generation tutor, the class teacher and the SNA within the

music lessons.

The class teacher knows the pupils well. The class teacher will be able to share

information about the pupils and classroom organisation to support implementation of

the Discovering Music programme.

The music tutor has expertise in relation to music. The music tutor will be able to adapt

the Discovering Music programme to meet individual needs.

Tips for Class Teachers

Liaise with Music Generation Tutors

Organise planning time with Music Generation Sligo tutors.

Share information about your class and pupils.

Share your aspirations for the music programme.

Prepare the pupils

Use of photographs of tutors to familiarise the pupils.

Tell the pupils about the programme.

Include the music lesson in your schedules.

Provide guidelines and reassurance to the pupils on the day, prior to the arrival of the tutors.

Prepare the classroom

Think about the physical preparation of the classroom.

Think about where the pupils and adults will sit.

During the lesson

As the class teacher, maintain overall responsibility for what happens in the classroom.

Manage the behaviour of the children throughout the delivery of the programme in collaboration with

the music tutors.

Contact Us

Centre for SEN, Inclusion and Diversity,

St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

T: 071 9195550

E: education@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Acknowledgements The input of Mary Carty, class teacher, in the production of this leaflet is gratefully acknowledged.

Published by Centre for SEN, Inclusion and Diversity.

All rights reserved, no part of this work may be produced, stored in a retrieval or transmitted in any form or by any means

without written permission from the publishers.

© Music Generation Sligo and Centre for SEN, Inclusion and Diversity

Music Generation Sligo delivers a range of long-term music

education projects for children and young people as part of a

national Music Generation programme initiated by Music

Network, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, The

Department of Education and Skills and Sligo Music

Education Partnership.

Music Generation believes in every child and young person’s

musical potential. The vision of Music Generation is

inclusive access to high quality music education for children

and young people, delivered by skilled, professional

musicians interacting in an inspirational way with children

and young people in their communities.

Music Generation Sligo is managed and funded locally by

Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, Sligo County Council, Sligo Education

Centre, Sligo County Childcare Committee, Cranmore

Regeneration and the local music sector. Through its

Discovering Music programme, Music Generation Sligo

provides an introduction to music to all children and young

people in the Sligo area.

Music doesn’t just change lives, it transforms lives!