Music offers a unique space for growth and expression through sound and 'musicking' together. In twelve years of teaching piano, singing and music theory at a private music school, musician and teacher Katarina Kurtjak has faced the challenges of including children with special needs, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Despite the high level of music education in Slovenia, the inclusion of these children is still an unregulated area, where there is a lack of professional support and literature for teachers. Autism spectrum disorders affect various aspects of an individual's life, response to stimuli and interaction with the environment. Music is a tool for expression, exploration and relationship building, which is accessible to both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Thus, children with MAS, who are often average or above average in their receptivity to music, can find their unique way of communicating and expressing themselves through the process of musical engagement.
The radiophonic essay is part of a larger project exploring the music pedagogy of children with MAS, born out of the need to develop adapted methods and tools for the music education process of these children. Katarina's process of developing adapted methods began by following her instinct and adapting her teaching to the individual child. The focus was not only on learning the instrument, but also on the pleasure of musical engagement and on ensuring that it has the most beneficial effect on the child's development. Psychologist Manca Kok has been guiding Katarina's research over the last year. Together, they have compiled a review of methods and combined the success of the methods with an understanding of the experiences and needs of children with ASD, and presented the results at the International Symposium Sound and Music in the Experiences of Infants, Toddlers and Vulnerable Groups, which took place in Ljubljana at the end of August.
The radio essay "Faces of Autism" presents an artistic research process that starts from the question of how music can be a vital tool for communication, expression and growth for children with ASD. You will hear the process and progress of three of Katarina's students in musical and other domains. The development of confidence, emotional sensitivity, communication and interpersonal relationships are highlighted. The radio programme offers an insight into personal experiences of teaching as well as efforts to develop inclusive approaches in music education. The emphasis is on firstly understanding the specific characteristics and responses of pupils, and secondly supporting their growth in different domains by recognising, rather than hiding, their differences.
Radiophonic essay Faces of Autism (Slovene)
Colophon:
Script by Katarina Kurtjak and Manca Kok
The script includes statements by Supritha Aithal, a dance-movement therapist, researcher and lecturer at Edge Hill University in England, read by Lidija Hartman, and statements by a parent and a student.
The videos of the lessons were made by Katarina Kurtjak, with the permission and support of the parents Anna, Patrik and Luka.
Sound engineer: Urban Gruden, editors of the programme: Saška Rakef and Anamarija Štukelj Cusma
Ljubljana: RTV Slovenia, 2023
