Connecting to the General Curriculum: Supporting Nonmusic Goals for Students With Disabilities

Students with disabilities often have difficultly applying information learned in one context to another, also called transfer. Music teachers can provide opportunities for students to transfer and make connections between classes to enhance their learning and encourage students to think differently about the content. By including nonmusic ideas, concepts, and skills, music teachers can reinforce learning for all students. This article includes suggestions for how general music teachers can include various nonmusic ideas, concepts, and skills in music instruction as well as specific ideas for inclusive music classrooms with students with disabilities.