Foundational principles and strategies to support neurodivergent students in music instrument teaching

Every student deserves the chance to learn music in a way that recognises their strengths, preferences and needs.

This training helps music educators develop practical strategies for teaching musical instruments to neurodivergent students. The focus is on building understanding, adapting teaching approaches and creating learning environments where students can participate, progress and feel supported.

The training is practical and foundational. It is designed to help teachers reflect on their role, strengthen their teaching toolkit and apply inclusive strategies in real teaching situations.

What teachers can learn

Across MJ Music Training’s teacher training, participants may explore how to:

Understand their role

Gain a clearer understanding of the role music teachers play in supporting neurodivergent students to progress and thrive through music.

Collaborate with confidence

Work more effectively with key people in a student’s support network, including families, specialists and other educators.

Deepen their knowledge of neurodivergence

Build understanding of ADHD, autism, dyslexia and Down syndrome, including the challenges students may experience in music lessons and the strengths they may bring.

Create student profiles

Develop student profiles that identify each student’s strengths, preferences, needs, learning style and goals.

Tailor teaching strategies

Use adaptable lesson planning and teaching approaches that support individual students and help keep learning meaningful.

Differentiate for meaningful learning

Apply practical strategies for teaching pieces, scales and technical skills in ways that respect each student’s pace and learning needs.

Support student success

Help students understand and communicate their needs, using collaborative strategies to create a flexible learning environment that supports their wellbeing.

Create a more inclusive teaching space

Make simple, practical changes to the teaching environment using appropriate tools, resources and approaches. 

What teachers gain

Teachers who complete this professional development can expect to leave with a stronger understanding of how neurodivergent students may experience instrumental music lessons.

Teachers will also gain:

• practical strategies they can apply in one-on-one, group, ensemble, classroom and studio settings 

• greater confidence adapting teaching approaches to suit individual students 

• ideas for creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments 

• a clearer process for understanding each student’s strengths, preferences and needs 

• tools for planning lessons that are flexible, meaningful and student-centred 

• resources to support inclusive music teaching practice 

• a certificate of completion for professional development purposes 
  

The aim is not to give teachers a one-size-fits-all method. It is to help them make thoughtful, practical decisions that support the students in front of them.

Who this training is for

This training is for music educators who teach musical instruments in a range of settings.

It is suitable for:

• instrumental music teachers 

• music specialists 

• classroom music teachers who teach music or musical instruments 

• ensemble teachers 

• one-on-one teachers 

• group teachers 

• music tutors in school settings 

• teachers working in private studios 

• teachers working in music teaching organisations 

The training is relevant to teachers of any musical instrument, including piano, violin, flute, saxophone, oboe, cello, voice, drums, percussion and more. 

Professional development hours and certificate

Each training option provides 6 hours of professional learning. Participants receive a certificate of completion for professional development purposes. 

What you receive

Depending on the training option selected, participants may receive:

• 6 hours of professional development 

• practical training focused on teaching musical instruments to neurodivergent students 

• access to course resources 

• a certificate of completion 

• live training delivered by Justin McKee 

• on-site, face-to-face or online delivery 
  

Specific inclusions, such as morning tea, online access details, pricing and course dates, are listed on each training option page.

Why consider this training

Music instrument teachers often work closely with students over time. This gives teachers a valuable opportunity to understand how each student learns, what helps them feel supported and what may make learning more difficult.

For neurodivergent students, small changes in communication, structure, pacing, lesson planning or the teaching environment can make a meaningful difference.

MJ Music Training’s professional development helps music educators build practical, inclusive approaches they can use in everyday lessons. It supports teachers to move beyond general awareness and into confident, flexible teaching practice.