Supporting Executive Function Skills in Music Education: Strategies for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Many difficult behaviors are rooted in a lack of executive function (EF) skills. EF includes a variety of skills including attention, persistence, and regulating emotions, among others. It is important for all students to learn the skills that contribute to developing appropriate EF skills, but it is especially important for students with disabilities to learn these skills to be successful in school. This article includes a summary of the variety of specific EF skills, existing music research in these skill areas, and strategies teachers can use to improve EF skills in inclusive music classrooms.