Provides information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1990 (IDEA), the inclusion of autism in the law, and autism in general. Summarizes research on music and children with autism, addressing music as a means to improving communication skills and as a motivator. Considers the implications for music educators. (CMK)

In this paper Kirsten Fink-Jensen suggests how a phenomenological-hermeneutic perspective can contribute to the knowledge of learning and teaching processes in music education in school. The philosophical frame is Danish philosophy of life, represented by Knud Ejler Logstrup, and Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of body, both pointing to the wholeness…

This guide provides recommendations and guidelines to expressive arts therapists and educators who work in school settings as therapists, supervisors, supervisees, or graduate school expressive arts interns. There are eight chapters: (1) Expressive Arts Therapies in School Settings (definitions, learning objectives, confidentiality, ethical…

The paper reviews music therapy, the educational background of music therapists, music therapy's various settings, and its use as an intervention with girls with Rett Syndrome. Sample music therapy programs for three girls (aged 5, 14, and 20 years) with Rett Syndrome are presented. The sample programs provide: student descriptions; the girls'…

Expressive therapists (in art, music, and dance) possess the techniques necessary for working with older adults who need assistance in making productive use of their leisure time. Therapeutic expressive activities for long-term care residents promote creativity, self-expression, communication, and understanding of oneself. The purpose of the…

Focusing on the development of fundamental rhythm skills involved in music and movement activities, this teaching guide emphasizes activities that will help children express their feelings and communicate with others, develop perceptual and motor skills, and enhance sensory awareness. Suggestions for involving handicapped children and examples of…

Special music therapy programs are designed for children with many types of learning disabilities. Emphasis is on supporting each child's individual development. (ST)

This article describes the objectives, teaching methods, and subject content of a fourteen-week group piano course for mentally retarded adults, entitled "Exploring Music through the Piano," that was presented by the author at the University of Kansas in the 1978 spring semester. (SJL)

Discusses the evolution and current status of cognitive research in music. Identifies the field's five research branches: (1) sensation; (2) perception; (3) concept formation and memory; (4) affect or emotions; and (5) psychomotor activity. Recommends five changes for the future of cognitive musicology. (CFR)

Music activities for the elderly can stimulate creativity and help develop independence, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. This study includes: (1) an attempt to learn the uses of music by and for older adults through an exploration of programs and activities that either have been or currently are being implemented; (2) an…

This report is an evaluation of a New York City school district educational project funded under Title VIB Education of the Handicapped Act. Under the direction of a project coordinator and a music therapist, 365 emotionally disturbed, hyperactive, and mentally retarded youngsters, ranging in age from 6 to 15, participated in the program. Primary…

The research enterprise in the United States is a vast one, with at least 15 music education and two music therapy research journals. This is in addition to the multitude of papers presented at a myriad of state, regional and national conferences, including the hundreds of papers presented at the biannual meetings of the Music Educators National…

This pilot study examined the effects of a short-term music therapy program on the classroom behaviours of newly arrived refugee students who were attending an intensive "English as a Second Language" secondary school. A cross-over design with two five-week intervention periods was employed with group music therapy sessions conducted one…

Both the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 show a public policy preference for the use of interventions that are supported by scientific evidence of their efficacy. At the same time, parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)…

Emotional Release Counselling (ERC) is based on the simple premise that to feel emotions and energy and to let them be expressed keeps us mentally healthy. ERC works to help a child be deeply connected to the sensation within the body, to develop self-awareness. The book explains the concept of emotional release counseling and provides specific…