Adapted Singing Lessons
Adapted singing lessons for children
Adapted singing lessons are exactly what they sound like – a singing lesson where modifications are made to best suit a child’s individualized needs. Adapted lessons help individuals for whom traditional lessons may not be effective or appropriate.
While many concepts of an adapted singing lesson are similar to a standard singing lesson, modifications are made that allow students to learn at a rate and in a style that they are comfortable with allowing them to focus on specific goals in a fun and motivating way.
The style, content, and pace of each lesson is tailored to the objectives and interests of each student, as well as their physical and developmental abilities, and attentional and sensory needs.
Have you avoided signing your child up for singing lessons in the past despite their passion for music because you thought that it might not be a good fit? Well, I just might be the teacher you've been waiting for!
Adapted singing lessons for adults
(Vocal intonation therapy)
Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that implements music and rhythmic interventions to promote recovery and neuroplasticity. Musical intervention in speech rehabilitation is beneficial because it is one of the few modes of recovery that activates the whole brain simultaneously, promoting neuroplasticity and improving functional speech and language goals (i.e., speech rate, fluency, breath management, and respiratory strength).
Vocal Intonation Therapy (VIT) “implements the use of vocal exercises to train, maintain, develop, and rehabilitate aspects of voice control due to structural, neurological, physiological, or functional abnormalities of the voice apparatus (i.e., inflection, pitch, breath control, timbre, and dynamics)” (Thaut, 2005).
Many exercises implemented in VIT are designed similarly to those exercises that a singing teacher or choir director would use when working with singers.
VIT interventions help clients regain vocal control for improved speech and verbal communication, and you don’t need to have any training as a musician to participate! Both adults and children can benefit from VIT, specifically individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, or other degenerative diseases and disorders that affect the voice. If you or someone in your family is dealing with a voice disorder and are interested in a singing-inspired voice intervention, please reach out. I can help.
Guest lectures
The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy hosts multiple International Training Institutes each year. This training is offered to allied professionals who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Neurologic Music Therapy and to music therapists interested in utilizing NMT methodology methodology and techniques. I am an assistant faculty member of the Academy providing the lecture on Vocal Intonation Therapy. If you are interested in taking the training, please click the link below, which will take you to the Academy website. In 2022, training institutes will be offered in Canada, USA, France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and Japan.
"I have enjoyed working with you and I will definitely refer clients again in the future. I think you're a fantastic clinician!"
Stefanie H., Speech-language pathology colleague
"I took the NMT Training back in February. All the information that you shared has made a significant difference in my practice."
Diana C., Music therapy colleague
"Thank you so much for your eye-opening presentation at the NMT training on the weekend. I was inspired and want to learn more about the science behind singing exercises."
Geena C., Music therapy colleague