PIANO FOR AUTISM AND STUDENTS ON THE SPECTRUM
Have you ever wanted to have your child on the spectrum learn the piano but were too shy or nervous to pursue piano lessons?  I am here to ease any of the fears you have had about signing your autistic child up for piano lessons. I have designed a special curriculum for students on the spectrum to learn music theory, piano technique, and mostly how to have fun while developing skills that will help your child in many areas of their life. The curriculum includes tab schedules, piano technique, a variety of table, interactive and computer games to enhance a variety of skills such as following directions, auditory processing, and hand eye coordination.


How Did I Start?
I really wanted to teach my children how to play the piano and gain the joy of having music in their lives. So I started developing and incorporating the tools we’ve learned in their various therapies into piano lessons. And it worked! I look forward to sharing those techniques with your child.

I absolutely love teaching piano to all ages. Music benefits us in countless indefinable ways. Music has been my best friend, my counselor, my freedom, and my connection. I can be touched by music everyday of my life and I love to teach that connection to my students. I am pretty relaxed and love to have fun with learning. I teach beginning piano music to intermediate. Also, with three special needs children that have autism, I love working with Autistic and Sensory Affected children. I am open to working with any disability.

My Teaching Background
I graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Fine Art. I have composed music since I was young. I've recorded two CD's "Simplicity" and "Beacon of Light" that you can now download from iTunes and http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/DeannaRose. You can also visit my website at www.deannarosemusic.com. I have performed for over 30 years mainly at church and for weddings, auctions, schools, and corporate gatherings. Most recently, I've enjoyed volunteering at the Portland International Airport in their music program. I've enjoyed meeting new fans and helping travelers relax with beautiful music. My background is classical and new age. I have been playing piano since I was four. I have taught private lessons part time off and on over the last twenty years. I am now accepting students full time.

My Teaching Philosophy
I use several methods of teaching depending on the learning style of the student, how old they are, and what their goals are. I am extremely patient and try to instill a love of music. I like to incorporate visual learning, traditional methods of theory and practice, computer interactive programs, and games. Teaching strong fundamentals in rhythm and excellent ergonomics in the beginning is essential for long term success. I like to have fun with music history as well if the student is interested.

For Students on the Spectrum, I have designed a special curriculum for students to learn music theory, piano technique and mostly how to have fun while developing skills that will help your child in many areas of their life. The curriculum includes tab schedules, piano technique, folder lessons, simplified piano exercise books, a variety of table and interactive computer games to enhance a variety of skills such as following directions, auditory processing and hand eye coordination. I incorporate many fun sensory items for sensory challenged students to help them focus. Depending on the student, parents will or won't take an active role in the lessons.

Rates And Availability
It really depends on the student! I have found beginning students on the spectrum have more success with two short fifteen minute lessons a week working up to 25 minutes/week or more when they are ready. You can choose to set up the lesson times based on what you can afford.
Many of the tools will be provided with the fee so it won't break the bank! Most music beginning books run around $5-8. If your child loves a certain game, I offer any of the games and flash cards for a nominal fee (covers the material costs). Adult and intermediate level student books tend to run a bit more depending on the method and needs of the student.

My fees are $1/minute up to 25 minutes
$25 for 25-30 minutes
$45 for 45 minutes
$50 for 60 minutes

I teach in my home at 619 NE 123rd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. I am also willing to teach in a student’s home with a nominal extra fee. My home is wheel chair accessible.

METHODS ARE BASED ON CHILD'S NEEDS

MAKING PIANO FUN FOR ALL