“Music is ‘in tune’ with the ASD mind because ‘music is typically saturated with far more repetition than is required to be coherent.”
Francesca Happé, 2013
Mary-Ann’s youngest son was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum when he was 4 years old. This life changing news was coupled with the realisation that he would need significant additional help and support to realise his potential. As a dedicated mother, she set out to learn all she could about the autism spectrum so she could develop her understanding of the condition to help her youngest son and his brother who as it turns out, was also diagnosed some years later.
Along the way, Mary-Ann has completed a Grad Dip Ed (Primary) and actively opened her private piano studio to students on the autism spectrum who are drawn to music and the piano. Labels such as high functioning and low functioning, verbal and non-verbal are peripheral to the the central focus on musical connection – between student, instrument and teacher – as Mary-Ann collaboratively searches for ways to nurture connection and develop skills at the piano regardless of the challenges that may present.
Combining her passion for music, education and autism has led Mary-Ann to actively engage with professional development opportunities in the fields of autism and piano pedagogy, regularly attending conferences and courses/workshops with leading experts such as Michelle Garcia Winner, Peter Vermuelen and and Ross Greene. In 2017, Mary-Ann presented ‘A Cat, at the Piano, On the Spectrum: The Art of Nurturing an Autistic Child’s Special Interests and Strengths’ at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference. This presentation explored how we can we better support autistic children (and teens and adults) to be who they are and realize their potential through the exploration of their strengths and interests in truly meaningful ways. Mary-Ann drew on her experience with students all along the autism spectrum and their families, to vividly portray the importance of focusing on strengths and passions rather than deficits.
Mary-Ann’s approach is gentle and supportive, tailoring each piano lesson to the child’s needs and working in partnership with students and parents. Her students love coming to learn with Mary-Ann and she loves teaching them, resulting is a space where rich, deep connection and meaningful learning occurs. Her approach is child centred, using holistic music resources, a variety of musical instruments, visual aides and other related activities to enhance the musical learning experience.
Mary-Ann has recently moved to Gisborne and will be starting her private piano studio afresh in this new location. She is also undertaking a Masters in Autism Studies.
Christina – 11 years old (Duet)
Hursh – 7 years old
Caleb – 6 years old