Music in Special Education, Third Edition

The field of special education has Changed greatly over the past four decades. With many of the changes, the responsibilities of music educators and music therapists have also changed. Music professionals in schools must keep abreast of related laws, terminologies, special education initiatives, and current instructional approaches, materials, and technologies in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Inclusive education has contributed to the changed roles of music therapists and music educators in the classroom. Music in Special Education (third edition) provides an introduction to the field of special education, and the current roles of music education and music therapy in the lives of students with disabilities and their families. This updated edition of Music in Special Education explains important concepts in special education that are important for interdisciplinary communication and effective teamwork. Part I introduces the reader to the historical and instructional foundations of music in special education including major topics and developments in the field of special education, important terminology, and curricular issues. Part II introduces the characteristics of specific disabilities, the educational implications of these disabilities, appropriate instructional adaptations, as well as music education and music therapy approaches used with students who have these disabilities. Part III addresses the roles music educators and music therapists play in family and community lives of students with disabilities. Music in Special Education (third edition) is an essential text to prepare effective future music educators and music therapists working in special education.