Adaptive Music Making for Meaningful Inclusion: An Interview With Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass
As teaching artists at the Adaptive Music Program at the Community Music School of Springfield, Massachusetts, Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass provide music experiences to learners with various disabilities in local schools. In this podcast, they talk about using visual cards, buttons, and switches to give every child a voice in the music-making process. Jennifer gives examples of simple adaptations for commercial instruments and attaching sound makers to objects that can be held by young clients with low muscle tone. Jessica says, ”Kids are often natural songwriters” as they sing to themselves or change words to familiar songs. Nurturing these moments and creating a culturally inclusive and responsive music classroom is key to their work. Their top advice is to connect with people who know the children best and observe how they respond to music making.
Resource
- Community Music School of Springfield. (2023). Adaptive music program: About APM. https://www.communitymusicschool.com/our-programs/adaptive-music-program/
About The Interviewees
Jessica Corwin, MMEd, is a licensed public school music teacher and Director of the Adaptive Music Program offered at the Community Music School of Springfield, Massachusetts. As teaching artist and music therapist, Jennifer Kass, MA, MT-BC, brings 22 years of work experience to the table. Both are passionate about making music accessible to a diverse student population and tailor their services to the needs of each partnering school. Contact: jcorwin@communitymusicschool.com, jkass@communitymusicschool.com
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2023, July 15). Adaptive music making for meaningful inclusion: An interview with Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz