Including individuals with special needs in choirs
Subtitle: implications for creating inclusive environments.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 138
Description: A primary theme in contemporary professional music discussions centers around the question of including individuals with special needs. This study begins with an exploration of literature regarding the inclusion of individuals with special needs in general classroom settings, general music settings, and ensemble settings. This study was designed to address the primary question, "How does the process of including individuals with special needs create change?" Each of 3 case studies includes participants who were carefully selected to represent the perspective of the individual with special needs, the choral inclusion ensemble, and the choral inclusion ensemble conductor.Significant evidence presented throughout the case studies indicates that the very process of making music together was what helped to create change in the individuals with special needs, the individuals with typical needs, the inclusive choir as a whole, and the inclusive choir conductors. Implications for creating inclusive environments in choirs center on the increased awareness that participants in all 3 case studies found in music pedagogy, building relationships, and advocating for inclusion.A reflexive paradigm emerges as a model for the choral inclusion conductor and his/her choir members with special and typical needs. This paradigm indicates a relationship between the creation of opportunities for individuals with special and typical needs to make music together, the increase in awareness of music pedagogy, relationship-building, and inclusion advocacy.
Notes: Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-06, Section: A, page: 2147.