Logo for Dr. Shannon Coates with phrase "Voice & The Art of Teaching"
Logo for Dr. Shannon Coates with phrase "Voice & The Art of Teaching"
academic gears

Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101

voiceped for real life

 

Because: when we know better, we can do better.

HERE’S THE THING:

When we aren’t intentionally affirming neurodivergent singers, our efforts to create a supportive learning community won’t be effective for a large swath of the singers we work with. Or their parents. Or us.

Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101 has entered the chat.

The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE creator, Dr. Shannon Coates, wearing teal-framed glasses, a grey shirt with wing arms, and black pants, strikes a jaunty pose with her arms crossed in front of her body. She smiles widely at the camera.

Because voice teachers (and coaches, and conductors, and music directors) just like you are already working hecka’ hard to do all the things you’ve been told you should do in order to foster an inclusive studio space and community.

But you’ve been piecemealing your information about supporting neurodivergent singers from articles, blogs, and books written for classroom educators. Or from podcasts, social media pages, and courses developed for people who support neurodivergent folks on the daily.

Which is why you already:

encourage singers to stand or sit or lie down or do whatever they need to do to be physically comfortable in their lesson

provide allll the fidget tools and letting singers choose which ones they want to use in their lesson to help them focus

ask singers if they are willing to share the accommodations they may have (or have had) at school so you have more tools for supporting their learning in the studio

release the repertoire reigns so singers have more buy-in

think outside the box when it comes to recital models that serve more students (and that parents actually want to go to)

BUT no matter how hard you work at it,

you still seem to struggle with:

NAVIGATING NEURODIVERSITY

Understanding how neurodivergencies can show up in your studio & how to turn textbook knowledge into effective teaching strategies for neurodivergent learners.

 

SHAPING STRATEGIES

The feeling that you’re not providing enough tools or implementing the best strategies to help every student succeed.

BUSTING BIASES

Recognizing your own biases & grappling with how they affect your teaching, especially when it comes to neurodivergent students.

 

IMPLEMENTING INCLUSIVITY

How to best create a welcoming space where all students feel seen & valued, no matter their support needs or life experiences and identities.

 

because no one has written the book, blog, or article that shows what neurodiversity-affirming voiceped looks like in a voice space like yours (yet).

So I made some classes.

 

And here’s what voice teachers (and coaches, and conductors, and music directors) just like you had to say about them:

Deirdre Kellerman

"Dr. C's Class was inspiring and informative; I left with actionable insights and a potent reminder of why I love being a music educator. I highly recommend her classes for educators seeking both knowledge and inspiration."

Kimberly Valde testimonial photo

"Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101 was incredibly informative and inspiring. I've already started implementing several ideas from it into my teaching. Highly recommended for any educator looking to enhance their lessons for both neurodivergent and neurotypical students!"

Robyn Klassen testimonial photo

"Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101 was a revelation for me, sparking a transformation in my teaching approach. Shannon's guidance was truly invaluable, and I'm already implementing the insights gained into my studio practices."

Heather Romig testimonial photo

"I recently completed Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101, and it was an absolute game-changer. Dr C's passion and expertise shone through in every section, making it one of the most impactful learning experiences I've had."

Dana Lewis testimonial photo

"I highly recommend Shannon’s workshop on Neurodiversity in the Voice Studio. Shannon’s explanations gave me further clarity and expanded ideas on what I could offer clients in ways I had not thought of, such as various ways I can present information, policies, vocal coaching, and the environment I create to meet the needs of all learners."

Jenevora Williams testimonial photo

"Shannon Coates has a unique understanding of the practical needs of the Inclusive Studio, I can’t think of another individual person with so much expertise and the ability to convey it."

Cate Frazier-Neely testimonial photo

Do yourself a favor and take Dr. Shannon Coates's Neurodivergent VoicePed Class. She starts discussions on how we, as teachers, can meet people where they are and help them accept themselves. Highly recommend!

These are the classes I developed for voice pros just like you:

NDA class Neurodiversity Primer
NDA class Building Inclusinve Voice Spaces
NDA class Neurodiversity in the Voice Studio

Neurodiversity Primer

 

  • introduction to the language of neurodiversity
  • understanding the ADHD neurotype
  • understanding the autism neurotype

Building Inclusive Voice Spaces

 

  • moving from accommodation to affirmation
  • reconsidering:
    • understanding the learner
    • studio policies (esp that cancelation one!)
    • learning space setup
    • pedagogy principles & teaching strategies
    • motivating students & supporting practice routines
    • learning & assessment expectations
  • how affirming neurodivergent students supports all students

Neurodiversity in the Voice Studio

  • The Language of Neurodiversity
  • Executive Function in the Voice Studio
  • Sensory Processing in the Voice Studio
  • Understanding & Reframing Behaviour in the Voice Studio
  • Strategies for Moving from Accepting to Affirming in the Voice Studio

NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING VOICEPED 101 SOUNDS AMAZING, RIGHT?

Well … you’re in luck because even though Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101 LIVE won’t be available any time soon, you can instantly access all three Live Lecture Recordings (PLUS a whole bunch of other Live Lecture Recordings) by subscribing to The VoicePed 101 Library.

 

tell me how to subscribe to The VoicePed 101 Library & get instant access to Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed 101