Music as a Global Resource: - International Council for Caring ...

SECTION:
Music for Lifelong Learning
COUNTRY:
United States of America
PROJECT:
USING MUSIC TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE LEARNING WITH ADOLESCENTS AND
YOUNG ADULTS ON THE AUTISTIC SPECTRUM: SOUNDSCAPE
DESCRIPTION:
The SoundScape program is an interdisciplinary, university-based music intervention for high-functioning
adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). SoundScape also provides an
informal parent group to promote support for this approach with family networks.
In context of the SoundScape program, the music-making activities require students to listen, analyze,
problem-solve, create, and reflect on their work, allowing students the opportunity to attach personal
meaning to their learning. The activities of the SoundScape program were designed around the students‟
existing interests in music and technology. Many have a strong interest in music or even an outstanding
and unique (i.e. savant) talent. In addition, the incorporation of technology through the use of computers
and video equipment helped make SoundScape particularly attractive to those with ASD who often find
motivation through these methods. As well as learning about music and encouraging creativity, the
SoundScape activities enabled participants to experience success, which is important as many individuals
with ASD have poor self-esteem and low self-confidence. The program activities were designed so that it
was impossible to fail or do poorly. The music production software used in the program (Garageband) is
very versatile and enables even those who cannot read music or play an instrument to successfully create
their own pieces using a broad range of different instrument sounds, tempos, styles, rhythms, etc.
SoundScape also attempts to address the social challenges experienced by those with ASD by providing
participants with the opportunity to meet others and practice effective communication and successful
interactions, and potentially form rewarding friendships. This was facilitated by designing class activities
and projects that maximized the need for group work and collaboration.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION:
The research component of the music program consists of participants and parents completing
questionnaires. They complete questionnaires before and after participation in the music program, and a
brief questionnaire each week. These have been selected and designed to evaluate the success and
efficacy of the program. If parents agree to be in the research component, the pre-evaluation
questionnaires are completed at the first session. Post-intervention questionnaires are completed at the end
of the last session. The program also uses feedback to constantly re-adjust our approach in terms of the
projects we are doing, time frames for projects and length of time for each session. We continually revisit
the format based on feedback about project deadlines – which means including more free-form
improvisation activities this year using iPads as the instruments. There are marked medical and
psychological benefits of improved self-esteem, improved ability to collaborate and make friends, and
reduced levels of stress.
CURRENT STATUS:
The program is entering its fifth year in the fall of 2011. The program generally operates for eight weeks
every fall and has an enrollment of around 15 students each year. Students can repeat this program for
several years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
http://faculty.uml.edu/ahillier/SoundScape_Music_Program.htm
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