By Katalina Diller, MT-BC Talking is overrated. I truly believe that, and I personally classify myself as a “yapper.” Do not get me wrong: if I am meeting up with a friend for coffee or catching up with a colleague over lunch, I will yap their ear off. That being said, I do not think words are appropriate in all situations. As a society, we have gotten used to constant noise. We have gotten used to background music, podcasts, or …

By Katalina Diller, MT-BC Through my experience teaching music lessons and working with children in music therapy settings, I have come to realize how common it is for kids to be scheduled around the clock.  I remember teaching piano to a second grader and having trouble getting her to practice outside of our scheduled time. When I sat her down and asked about her after-school routine, she listed dance class on Mondays and Thursdays, T-ball and soccer on Tuesdays and …

By Katalina Diller, MT-BC A safe space. This is a term that has been used over and over in our culture. It can refer to a place where individuals are allowed to authentically be themselves, a physical location that brings comfort, or a group of people that makes an individual feel most secure. I am sure all of us can list at least two or three places that we consider our own safe spaces.  For most of us, those safe …

By Katalina Diller, MT-BC As a society, we have many systems that people are simply expected to fit into with little to no accommodations. Whether it’s school, college, sports, or music lessons, there is often an expectation that there is one “right” way to learn. When someone struggles within that system, they are often labeled as “bad” at it or told that it just “isn’t for them.” Too often, people fall behind not because they are incapable, but because the …

Unlocking the Musical Strengths of Neurodiverse Learners: A Strengths-Based Approach By Katalina Diller, MT-BC Sometimes, it is easy to focus on what individuals are not able to do. I can only imagine what it feels like to be a parent and receive news that your child is neurodivergent. I can imagine a parent beginning to think about all of the things their child may not experience, or the struggles they may have throughout life. This is naturally part of being …

Understanding the Hand-Under-Hand Prompting Technique in Online Piano Lessons By Katalina Diller, MT-BC Sometimes we all just need a little help when we are learning something new. Whether we are learning to play an instrument, participating in a group activity, or simply following a schedule, there are moments when we need someone to guide us through the experience before we are ready to do it on our own. Learning to play the piano is no different, especially for neurodivergent learners. …

The Sensory-Friendly Piano Setup: A Practical Guide for Parents By Katalina Diller, MT-BC Have you ever walked into a grocery store and immediately noticed the harsh fluorescent lighting? Or have you ever been riding in the car with friends: the radio is playing, everyone is talking at once, and suddenly you can’t even follow the conversation? Most of us have experienced moments like these. We might feel distracted, overwhelmed, or just ready for a little quiet. For individuals with sensory …

Why Traditional Piano Lessons Don’t Work for ADHD/Autistic Learners I have heard variations of the same heartbreaking statement from so many parents: “My child loves music, but they absolutely hated their piano lessons.” Sometimes lessons ended in tears. Sometimes practicing at home became a nightly battle. Other times, a child who seemed excited at first slowly lost interest altogether. The truth is, traditional piano lessons aren’t a bad thing. They are just built for a specific type of learning, and …

Have you ever felt like giving up on a goal because it seemed too hard or took too long? Part 2 In the last blog we discussed that real success comes from embracing the challenging trio of practice, perseverance, and patience.  Now we will take a deeper look into the rewards of the 3 P’s. The Glorious Rewards of Consistent Effort Now that we’ve explored the challenges of practice, perseverance, and patience, let’s delve into the incredible rewards that await …

The Benefits of Online Music Lessons for Students with Special Needs- A Comprehensive Guide Part 2 1. The role of technology in enhancing the learning experience In addition to creating an inclusive environment and providing flexibility and consistency in scheduling, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience for students with special needs in online music lessons. The Music Loft Academy online platforms offer numerous features and tools that can be utilized to accommodate different disabilities and learning …

The Benefits of Online Music Lessons for Students with Special Needs- A Comprehensive Guide Part-1 1. Understanding the challenges faced by students with special needs in traditional music education settings In traditional music education settings, students with special needs often encounter various challenges that can hinder their learning experience. One common challenge is the lack of consistency when scheduling lessons. Many students with special needs require a consistent routine and structure. It is difficult for students to adapt to unfixed …

Have you ever felt like giving up on a goal because it seemed too hard or took too long? Part 1 Have you ever felt like giving up on a goal because it seemed too hard or took too long? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often tempted to seek instant gratification and quick results. But here’s the truth: real success comes from embracing the challenging trio of practice, perseverance, and patience. Imagine standing at the base of …