Music Classes for Autistic Kids
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Music Classes for Autistic Kids
Jan 2009
Hi! I'm looking for a fun music class for my 4 year old who is
mildly autistic. We live in Albany, and we have no car. It would
need to be somewhat close to us or close via a short bus ride
into Berkeley or another close city. Also, we're on a budget! We
found a music therapist, but she's extremely expensive for us.
What would be perfect is some sort of collaboration of therapy
and music class. He loves to play music, and I think he is quite
good with understanding rhythm and instruments (but of course
I'm
his mom who thinks he's perfect).
Also, does anybody know of any resources that we can look into
for financial assistance for music therapy? Like I mentioned
above, we did find a therapist that seemed quite knowledgeable
and convenient as far as where she is, but we certainly can't
afford $200 a month.
I would appreciate any advice you can give!
Thanks!
The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association is located
in San Francisco. They have a website, but their referral service
is not working yet. You can maybe call them and get the
information: 415-522-8959. There are tons of expressive arts
therapists in the Bay Area. The California Institute of Integral
Studies (in SF) and the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (in
Palo Alto) both have strong expressive arts programs, with lots of
graduates. I'm sure you can find someone who is interested at a
lower fee.
Guy
Sept 2007
Hi,
I have two autistic children, 10 and 12 years old. I am looking for someone to do
music lessons with them, possibly to have a combined lesson. I am interested in
having them learn piano, but a variety of instruments would be nice. Thanks.
Although I responded to the original poster privately, I wanted to let the rest
of our community know that I specialize in teaching music to children with
special needs, particularly those on the autistic spectrum, those with learning
disabilities, and children with emotional challenges. I am kind, patient, and
experienced.
Please email me at jwebber.music@gmail.com and I will send you a brief
description of my work and a phone number so that we can talk in person.
Wishing you all the best.
.
Jane Webber, MSW
Len Sherman is a very skilled music teacher who specializes in working with
autistic students. He is fine working with two students at a time and has a a lot
of skill in this area. He teaches piano, percussion, karaoke, saxophone, etc.
Also, Mr. Sherman can make videos and audio recordings of some sessions for the
parents. You can call Len directly at 510-684-6382 or you can get some more info
and see a video of two autistic students from his website at
www.leonardsherman.com
Nat
My daughter (who is not autistic but has speech delays) takes music from a highly esteemed RMT
(registered music therapist) named Susan Rancer in Piedmont. Susan specializes in teaching kids with
perfect pitch, which has a high occurrence among autistic people. I think she works with 25 or more
autistic cases these days, most of whom have shown unusual musical gifts and several of whom are
savants. I am sure you could talk to some of the parents of autistic kids she has worked with. For
our part, my 4.11 year old (who has perfect pitch) is reading music and playing the piano with both
hands. Susan has developed a wonderful teaching methodology that keeps kids progressing in spite of
whatever other limitations they have. If you can get on her schedule give it a try, I think you will
be blown away. Because she is an RMT, we are also able to pay for music through our health savings
account so at least it's pretax. More info at www.susanrancer.com
Montclair Mommy
April 2007
I have a friend who is Autistic. He is 18 years old and fairly
low functioning. I have heard that music can be a good way to
help communication skills. Anyone know some one in the East Bay
who can help? Thanks
Nathalie
Susan Rancer is a wonderful music therapist in Piedmont who works
with autistic children and teens. I highly recommend her:
510-654-5882
Amy
I recommend Music Therapist Susan Rancer. Her studio is in
Piedmont. Her number is 510-654-5882.
Cindy
Susan Rancer, in Piedmont, is a music therapist and works with
autistic people. She may have her schedule full but try calling
- 654-5882.
best wishes
Laura
Nov 2003
Looking for someone in Berkeley who teaches Piano to special
needs children. It can also be someone who simply has the
patience to work with a 5 year-old high functioning autistic
child.
thanks
I do not know anyone in Berkeley, but Susan Rancer in Piedmont
has a lot of experience with teaching piano to children with
autism. If you are definitely not interested in going to
Piedmont she can maybe recommend someone in Berkeley. Her
number is 654-5882.
My son is only three and has a different diagnosis, but we have
been with Susan for about a year and I would be happy to answer
any questions.
Mary
Susan Rancer specializes in teaching children with
disabilities. She is in the Piedmont/Montclair area. Her
number is 654-5882.
Linda
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