Adaptive Lessons


Adaptive lessons, taught by a board-certified music therapist, provide instrumental instruction for individuals who may have a difficult time learning in a “traditional” setting. These lessons are uniquely customized to capitalize on the individual student’s strengths and learning style and ensure a safe and successful music-learning experience. Our music therapists are trained to utilize tools like color-coding systems, differently-sized or adapted instruments, and alternative musical notations to support clients in learning how to play a new instrument.

Toneworks offers adaptive lessons in:

Adaptive Lessons


Adaptive lessons, taught by a board-certified music therapist, provide instrumental instruction for individuals who may have a difficult time learning in a “traditional” setting. These lessons are uniquely customized to capitalize on the individual student’s strengths and learning style and ensure a safe and successful music-learning experience. Our music therapists are trained to utilize tools like color-coding systems, differently-sized or adapted instruments, and alternative musical notations to support clients in learning how to play a new instrument.

Toneworks offers adaptive lessons in:

Goal areas may include:

  • Musical knowledge skills - improving instrument playing, sound identification/localization, musicianship skills.
  • Cognitive skills - identifying colors, letters, and improving literacy skills.
  • Gross/Fine Motor skills - range of motion, palmar and pincer grasp, crossing midline, bilateral motion, and muscle relaxation.
  • Confidence building - improving the ability to perform and increasing self-expression in a non-threatening environment.
  • Leisure Skills - provides individual with newly learned skill that they can use during free time.
  • Attention Span - increasing the amount of time client can focus on task.
  • Emotional Regulation - improvisation allows the client to express emotion, instrument playing can also be included into their daily schedule for long term emotional regulation.

Therapeutic music interventions may include: