Creativity Is Instrumental: Instrument-Specific Strategies and Suggestions for Assisting Learners with Physical Disabilities and Differences in General and Instrumental Music

Abstract

Playing musical instruments represents an engaging and important feature of music-making for children. Music teachers can support students with physical differences and disabilities using inclusive mindsets and practices, such as making adaptations to the instruments or the playing style. If teachers are aware of the variety of options available, they will be better able help all players achieve their fullest potential. This article draws on relevant research and literature to describe who faces limitations in instrumental settings, conceptualize disability, outline music-specific options for accommodating learners’ physical differences, and offer instrument-specific strategies that may be useful to both general and instrumental music teachers. Focusing on students’ strengths, increasing teacher knowledge and awareness, and using instrument-specific adaptations can improve educational opportunities for all.