Music has always been Amanda's calming source. Ever since she was an infant, soft music would relax her. She has always listened to the radio, CDs, and ever since she learned how to use the computer, she pulled up youtube and watches music videos. I honestly cannot tell what genre is her favorite as she listens to everything. I'll walk by our home office and one minute she listening to church hymns and the next minute she'll be listening to hip hop. When we go to church, she'll sway as the choir sings, and when it's time for the congregation to join in, she'll sing at the top of her lungs. She had never mentioned learning how to play a musical instrument until a few weeks ago she said she wanted to learn how to play the piano. So I thought why not?
Of course, it's not as easy as calling up any instructor and requesting lessons. As with anything with Autism, research must be done! So I go online and start to research local piano teachers. I sent out many emails explaining our situation with Amanda and asking if they were willing/able to teach a student with Autism. I don't know how many emails I sent, but there were a lot! Out of all those emails, I only got one response. It was from a teacher who mentored someone who has an interest in teaching children with special needs. She didn't have any experience, but has always wanted to. I figured, well, no one else has emailed me back, and at least this woman is willing to try, so I called her and set up a meeting.
During the meeting, in order to be fair to both her and Amanda, I didn't sugar coat anything. She had to be prepared for who she was going to teach, and how difficult it was probably going to be. Amanda can and does learn but it takes time and repetition. Lots of repetition. I needed someone who demonstrated both patience and perseverance, and I explained that. I didn't want to scare her off, but she had to know what she was up against. She explained that although she has no experience in teaching a student with Autism, she would consider it an honor if I allowed her to experience this with Amanda. It would be a learning experience for both of them. She seemed so willing to do it, and I liked her immediately, (that's saying a lot because I seldom like anyone immediately) so I scheduled her first appointment. Now I have to mention that Amanda was a little silly during the interview and kept saying how she wanted to play the piano like they do in High School Musical. This is important later. :)
Amanda's lessons are on Monday nights, and we do have to travel just a little bit to get there, but it's worth it. So this past Monday off we go to her very first lesson. I tell her that she is not to be silly and talk about a bunch of stuff that had nothing to to with piano. She's to listen to the teacher and really, really concentrate. She was so excited about it that I honestly didn't know how it was going to go that first night. When we arrive, Cassie (that's the teacher) comes out and greets us. Amanda gets very giggly when Cassie tells her she has a surprise for her. We decide it would be better if I just stay in the waiting room while Amanda has her lesson. Sometimes when I'm in the room, she doesn't feel she has to listen to her teachers because I'm there to "protect" her to something. So off Cassie and Amanda go. Cassie sits down and gives Amanda her surprise. She plays her a popular song from High School Musical. She had been paying attention to Amanda during the interview, and knew exactly how to draw her in. Pretty ingenious for someone who's never taught an Autistic student. She had Amanda's undivided attention right from the get go! So she had Amanda sit down and Cassie played the first two notes to the song and asked Amanda to follow her. Amanda listened, and promptly plucked the first two notes. I could hear everything from the waiting room, and couldn't believe my ears! Next she explained the pattern of the black keys on the piano and asked Amanda if she could identify the pattern. She did! Then she was asked to just play the black keys that were in a set of two. Again, she did it! I was in disbelief! Now all of this wasn't without mistakes mind you, but she caught on so fast! Then she was shown how to find C, D, and E, and was taught how to play them. Once she had that down, it was almost time for the lesson to be over. Lessons are only half an hour. At the end of the lesson, they played the beginning of the song from High School Musical together, and while Amanda played, she sang along too. I was soooooo proud of her. I felt like a dork as I sat in the waiting room with tears in my eyes. :)
When they came out of the room, Cassie and I both agreed that it had gone MUCH better than either of us had initially anticipated. Amanda was very proud of herself as well. I think we may have just found Amanda's niche. I'll keep you posted!
