Send us a text

The hardest truth about teaching neurodivergent students is the unpredictability. You never know which "version" of your student will arrive each week—focused and ready for challenges, anxious but willing, or struggling with concepts they mastered weeks ago. This variability isn't a failure of teaching or learning; it's simply the reality of neurodivergent brains.

Contrary to misconception, adaptive teaching isn't the easy way out. It demands deeper pedagogical knowledge, thorough preparation, and keen observation skills. But its heart remains beautifully simple: know your student, know your pedagogy, and teach to the individual in front of you.

Ready to connect with other teachers on this journey? Join our free, private Facebook community for creative piano teachers by clicking this link! We're a supportive space for questions, brainstorming, and sharing experiences about teaching neurodivergent learners.

Want to be in on future Teacher Chats? Join the list here to get notified!

Links from today's episode:
My favorite musical coloring pages
Check out the Bubble Timer Blogpost
My favorite Comfort Fidget Tools/Toys

Note: The music puzzle mentioned in the episode is no longer available, but here is a similar set of velcro music puzzles Elizabeth often uses in lessons from Etsy

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase through the Amazon links, which helps support the podcast and ongoing projects and research.

Support the show

Find the full transcript here!

Subscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more.

Subscribe to the Creative Piano Pedagogy Blog:
On the website
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on YouTube

You can find all of Elizabeth's favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)
Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com

Send us a text

Ever had a student struggle with hand coordination and finger control despite their best efforts? You're not alone. This deep dive into the fascinating connection between neurodiversity and piano technique reveals why many students—particularly those with ADHD or autism—find fine motor skills (like piano technique) challenging.
Whether you teach neurodivergent students or simply want to expand your teaching toolkit, these strategies will enrich your studio approach and help every student thrive at the piano.

Links to teaching tools from this episode:
Pop-it Fidget Toy
Squishy Stress Balls
Play-Doh
Play-Doh Mat
Fly-Swats
Lap Drum

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. This helps support the podcast and research blog!

Support the show

Find the full transcript here!

Subscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more.

Subscribe to the Creative Piano Pedagogy Blog:
On the website
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on YouTube

You can find all of Elizabeth's favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)
Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com

Send us a text

Emotional struggles in piano lessons can transform a beautiful learning experience into a source of stress for both students and teachers. How do we handle those moments when a student becomes overwhelmed or has a meltdown at the keyboard? Drawing from nearly 20 years of teaching experience, this episode unpacks practical, compassionate approaches to these challenging situations.

Whether you're teaching neurotypical or neurodivergent students, these strategies build a foundation of trust and safety that allows genuine learning to flourish. After all, the greatest honor in teaching isn't just developing musical skills, but becoming that consistent, calming presence that students can depend on week after week.

Support the show

Find the full transcript here!

Subscribe to Elizabeth's email list here so you won’t miss future courses, freebies, teacher events and more.

Subscribe to the Creative Piano Pedagogy Blog:
On the website
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on YouTube

You can find all of Elizabeth's favorite repertoire and teaching tools on the Amazon Storefront (affiliate link)
Questions or suggestions? Send Elizabeth an email:
creativepianopedagogy@gmail.com