(Formerly titled: The Music For Special Learners Committee)
Music for All
Welcome to the Neurodiversity & Accessibility page. We focus on creating accessible musical environments for all and providing stakeholders with the support and tools needed to implement them. The resources we have compiled apply to all types of music classrooms, ensembles, technology labs, studios, and more.
Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
NYSSMA Chair – Neurodiversity & Accessibility
Neurodiversity & Accessibility Committee
Brian J. Wagner-Yeung, Chair
Dr. Elise S. Sobol, Previous Chair
Procedures for Accommodating Students with Disabilities at NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals
For students who require accommodations for either the NYSSMA solo or ensemble festivals, the teacher, parent or guardian, and principal must complete a form. Send the form to the Festival Chairperson and the NYSSMA Zone Representative at least six weeks before the adjudication or festival. Document accommodations on a student’s IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan, or use accommodations that are regularly used during the student’s instructional program.
Teachers can access the form here: Procedures for Accommodating Students with Disabilities at NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals Form
For a list of suggested and allowable accommodations, teachers can use this resource from New York State: Accommodations for Testing
Neurodiversity & Accessibility Sessions at the 2026 NYSSMA Winter Conference
This year, our Neurodiversity & Accessibility sessions at our annual winter conference will present a wide range of topics. Please take a look at what we’re offering.
Song of the Week: An Inclusive Approach to SEL
Thursday, December 3rd, 2026, at 3:30 PM in CC Aqueduct AB
Presenter: Megan Cocks
Originating in a self-contained special education school and based on the CASEL framework, the Song of the Week activity is a way for all students to use music to explore social-emotional learning. Neurodiverse students often need explicit teaching of social skills and more scaffolded exploration of internal feelings and this teacher-developed classroom program uses culturally relevant music to do so. Song of the Week is a set of 35 songs (appropriate for upper elementary through high school students) for teachers to explore with their students and worksheets that go along with the lesson.
UDL in the Traditional Band Classroom: A Practical Approach
Friday, December 4th, 2026 at 8:15 AM in CC Aqueduct AB
Presenters: Jessica England & Erik Piazza
Traditional band pedagogy often contains barriers that prevent diverse learners from meaningful participation in band programs. This session explores Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for inclusive ensemble instruction. We will examine relevant literature and share practical applications of UDL principles for students in traditional elementary and secondary band programs. Attendees will gain strategies to identify instructional barriers, analyze IEP/504 plans, and collaborate with specialists to create more accessible instrumental music programs for all students.
Designing Accessible Music Instruction for All
Friday, December 4th, 2026 at 10:45 AM in CC Aqueduct AB
Presenter: Brian Wagner-Yeung
The music classroom and ensemble can contain many unintentional barriers preventing some students from achieving success. These can be located in the curriculum, lesson activities, musical goals, repertoire, or how a lesson is presented. Music teachers can easily reflect on their musical objectives, identify unintentional barriers, and redesign lessons to be accessible to ALL. Strategies include Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology, task analysis, conceptual learning, and multisensory learning, while using a strength-based model for ALL.
Turbocharge Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning
Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 1:15 PM in CC Aqueduct AB
Presenter: Dr. Rhoda Bernard
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an evidence-based framework for making education more accessible. However, it can be challenging to translate the UDL framework into action in our classrooms. In this session, you will learn about and experience many specific UDL strategies that you can use right away to reach and teach every student, no matter how they learn best. Whether you meet your students in private lessons, classes, or ensembles, these practical, easy-to-implement UDL strategies will turbocharge your teaching, so that every student’s learning is the very best that it can be.
How Can Song-Stories Benefit Students with Autism?
Saturday, December 5th, 2026, at 8:15 AM in CC Aqueduct AB
Presenter: Vanessa Aagaard
Drawing on survey data collected from educators, the session will highlight how song-stories—narratives that incorporate music and rhythm—are used in classrooms and the observed impacts on student engagement and learning. This presentation explores how musical storytelling can support the literacy development, communication, and social skills for autistic children. I will also offer practical strategies for integrating song-stories into music and general education settings to support diverse learners.
NYSSMA Academy Series
Join us for our third virtual series for the 2026-2027 school year, focused on Neurodiversity & Accessibility. CTLE credits will be provided for those who attend and request.
Session #1: Behavioral Strategies: Approaches & Techniques to Replace Targeted Behaviors in the Music Classroom
Date: October 3rd
Presenter: Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
Description: This session will examine behavior as a function of communication and focus on specific strategies students can use to replace targeted behaviors. While the focus will be on students with disabilities, the techniques can be applied to ALL students and incorporated individually or for the entire music class. Examples include using predictable, structured routines; developing clear procedures; collecting data to analyze targeted behaviors; and replacing behaviors with appropriate supports.
Session #2: Belonging, Equity, Representation, Diversity (BEDR) in the Music Classroom
Date: January 23rd
Presenter: Adele Bovard, Elise Sobol & Avid Williams
Description: This interactive session will begin with foundational principles and current research on creating a strong sense of belonging that is representative of the diversity of all students. Participants will engage with successful strategies for the music classroom to create that culture of belonging.
Session #3: Designing and Implementing a Unique Inclusive Curriculum for the Music Classroom
Date: February 6th
Presenter: Christopher Cavarretta
Description: Public education music classrooms vary widely depending on the school size, location, budget, and resources available. Therefore, making a “one-size-fits-all” music education curriculum is nearly impossible. However, focusing on a curriculum design that allows for all students to feel included, strive, and perform successfully is something that all music classrooms are capable of. This session allows for music educators to see how they can design a curriculum that fosters success for all students.
Session #4: Inclusive by Design: Curriculum Planning for the Instrumental Classroom
Date: April 17th
Presenter: Susan Davis & Rich Tilley
Description: This session will explore inclusive curricular practices for band and orchestra ensembles. Participants will review specific cases and contexts and engage with diverse stakeholders in order to understand the core principles of inclusive practices in music teaching and learning settings. Resources will be shared for leveling and arranging music, color-coding parts, modifying instruments, and creating sensory sanctuaries.
You can register for the workshops at this link.
Federal & NYS Education Laws & Information
Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act (1988)
(ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
(IDEA) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997)
(ESSA) Every Student Succeeds Act (2015)
National Association for Music Education The Every Student Succeeds Act
Our Nation’s English Learners
U.S. Department of Education English Learner Fact Sheet
New York State Laws and Regulations Related to Special Education and Students with Disabilities
Music-Making, Accessible & Inclusive Ensembles, Programs & Studios
Daniel’s Music Foundation
Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School
Hug Music
Just Accessible Music (JAM)
Music Academy for Special Learners
Sonic Arts for All (SAFA!)
United Sound
Urban Arts Partnership (EASE)
Organizations, Professional Development, & Resources for Educators
Arts for All Abilities Consortium
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE)
CEC Division of Visual and Performing Arts Education (DARTS)
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Divas with Disabilities
ISME Special Music Education & Music Therapy
NAfME Accessible Music Education Special Research Interest Group (SRIG)
Access/VSA The Kennedy Center
Assistive Musical Technology & Adaptive Musical Resources
Artiphon
Beamz
Clarion
EyeHarp
Figurenotes
Jamboxx
Launchpad X
Makey Makey
Orba
Skwitch
Soundbeam
Specdrums
Applications & Websites
BeatBlocks
Chrome Music Lab
Creatability Experiments by Google
GarageBand
Incredibox
Keezy
Paint Melody
ThumbJam
Literature for Music & Diverse Learners
The Accessible Music Classroom for All
Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
Approach to Teaching Music to Diverse Learners: A Neuro-Inclusive Resource (Fourth Edition)
Elise S. Sobol
Exceptional Music Pedagogy for Children with Exceptionalities (International Perspectives)
Deborah VanderLinde Blair & Kimberly A. McCord
Including Everyone: Creating Music Classrooms Where All Children Learn
Judith A. Jellison
The Music and Literacy Connection
Dee Hansen, Elaine Bernstorf & Gayle M. Stuber
Music Education and Social Emotional Learning: The Hear of Teaching Music
Scott N. Edgar
Music in Special Education (Third Edition)
Mary S. Adamek & Alice-Ann Darrow
Special Needs, Community Music, and Adult Learning (An Oxford Handbook of Music Education, Volume 4)
Gary E. McPherson & Graham F. Welch
Spotlight on Making Music with Special Learners: Selected Articles from State MEA Journals (Spotlight Series)
MENC: The National Association for Music Education
Teaching Music to Students with Differences and Disabilities (Third Edition)
Alice M. Hammel & Ryan M. Hourigan
Universal Design for Learning in Music Education
Ryan Hourigan, Alice Hammel & Elise Hackl-Blumstein
Winding it Back: Teaching to Individual Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings
Alice M. Hammel, Roberta Y. Hickox & Ryan M. Hourigan
Literature for Inclusive Environments & Teaching
Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally
Emily Ladau
Disability Visability: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century
Alice Wong
Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner
Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Succeed in School and Life
Thomas Armstrong
UDL Now! A Teacher’s Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning (Third Edition)
Katie Novak
Unlearning: Changing Your Beliefs and Your Classroom with UDL
Allison Posey & Katie Novak
Publications by NYSSMA Accessible Music & Neurodiversity Chairs
Sobol, E. S. (August 1994). Music Success for Special Learners, Inclusion Buzzword
of Hope for the Future! New York: New York State Council of Educational Associations.
Sobol, E. S. (September 1994). “The Red, Green, Yellow, Song” in NYSSMA Notes.
Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (January 1995). “Assembly Programs” in NYSSMA Notes.
Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (March 1995). “Music Success for Special Learners.” in
School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (May/June 1995). “Music and the Mouse.” In NYSSMA Notes.
Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (November 1995). “Magic Microphone and Awesome Video Camera.” in
NYSSMA Notes. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (February 1997). “It Depends on Y.O.U.” in NYSSMA Notes. Westbury, NY:
New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (December 1998). “Loud, Louder, Loudest.” in School Music News.
Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (October 1999). “Communication through Music: A Language beyond
Words” in School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (August 2001). “Is That Your Joanna There? The Musical Rhythmic Intelligence.
How Fantastic!” School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E. S. (December 2001). “Instructional Music Teaching for Special Learners”
School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E.S. (2001). An Attitude and Approach for Teaching Music to Special Learners
Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press
E. S. (2004). “Loud, Louder, Loudest-Teaching the Dynamics of Life.” in Spotlight on
Making Music with Special Learners. Reston, VA: MENC: The National Association for Music Education, 68–71.
Sobol, E.S. (March, 2006). “Literacy Support: Applications of the Color Scheme Red, Yellow and Green.” School Music News. New York State School Music Association.
Sobol, E.S. (2008). An attitude and approach for teaching music to special learners, 2nd edition. Rowman & Littlefield Education in Partnership with National Association of Music Education. Translations 2011 Hebrew Edition, Ach Publishers LTD, Israel and 2013 Kroean Edition, Sigma Press, Korea.
Sobol, E.S. (2011). “Music Learning in Special Education: Focus on Autism and Developmental Disabilities” in R.Colwell and P. Webster, Eds. in MENC Handbook on Research on Music Teaching and Learning, Vol. 2 Applications. Oxford University Press, 6.233-55.
Sobol, E.S. (2014). Autism Research: Music Aptitude’s Effect on Developmental/Academic Gains for Students with Significant Cognitive/Language Delays. Proquest Publications.
Sobol, E.S. (January-February 2015). “Academic Improvement for Students with Significant Disabilities.” School Music News. Volume 78 (5), 15-17.
Wagner, B. (2015). Engaging All Learners: Tools and Techniques to Reach Different Types of Learners in the Music Classroom. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner, B. (2016). Making Connections for Special Learners: Using Repertoire to Enhance Lifelong Learning. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner, B. (2016). Using Repertoire to Enhance Lifelong Learning. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner, B. (2017). Using a Differentiated Rhythmic and Melodic Notation System for Special Learners in All Musical Settings. Tempo. Lakewood, NJ: New Jersey Music Educators Association.
Wagner, B. (2017). Engaging All Types of Learners in the Music Classroom. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2018). Teaching Lessons to Children with Special Needs. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2018). Behavioral Supports for Students with Special Needs in Musical Environments. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2019). Related Service Providers in the Music Classroom. DARTS Newsletter. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2020). Distance Learning for Special Learners in the Music Classroom. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2020). Let’s Make Music! Engaging Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the K-8 General Music Classroom. Coralville, IA: Music ConstructED.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2021). Neurodiversity in the Music Classroom: Using the Strengths of All Students During In-Person and Remote Learning. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2022). Inclusive Strategies for Students with ASD in the Music Room. Coralville, IA: Music ConstructED.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2023). What’s in a Label? An Inclusive Person-First & Strength-Based Approach. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2024). How Many Ways? Incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the Music Classroom for ALL. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2026). Designing Accessible Instruction: Multiple Points of Engagement for All. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Contact Brian J. Wagner-Yeung (NYSSMA Chair – Neurodiversity & Accessibility) at brianwagneryeung@gmail.com for handouts from previous NYSSMA conferences, articles, additional websites, and resources.