Cassa Musical Arts: Inclusive Music Education for Neurodivergent Students

The Cause

The Cassa Musical Arts Initiative offers enhanced music and drama programming that goes beyond the Alberta Education K-12 curriculum, specifically effective for neurodivergent students. Many neurodivergent youth, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences, face challenges integrating into neurotypical learning environments due to a lack of programs tailored to their needs. Cassa Musical Arts has a reputation for providing advanced arts education, especially popular among gifted youth. Now, it will expand its offerings to serve neurodivergent students, offering specialized programming.
Research shows that neurodivergent students are often excluded from traditional music education due to several systemic barriers. According to a 2020 study in the International Journal of Music Education, neurodivergent students often face difficulties because standard music curricula and instructional methods are not adapted to their needs. Additionally, the lack of teacher training in handling neurodiverse learners exacerbates the issue, making it difficult for these students to thrive in music classes. The Arts in Education Partnership (2019) found that neurodivergent students are underrepresented in arts education due to inadequate accommodations and limited inclusive programs. Cassa Musical Arts will address this by creating a sensory-friendly environment with flexible, individualized coaching.
Incorporating Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin’s research, the initiative recognizes music’s powerful role in enhancing brain function, reducing stress, and providing a form of emotional expression. Levitin explains, “Music is processed by the brain in a way that transcends language, helping individuals who struggle with verbal communication or social interaction.” For neurodivergent students, music provides a unique opportunity for personal expression and emotional growth.

Who Will it Benefit?

Neurodivergence generally includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. Applying national data to Alberta’s 8 to 21 population age range: Approx 13,000-14,000 have ASD, 32,500-35,000 ADHD, and 65,000-70,00 with Learning disabilities. This gives a broad estimate that 80,000 to 100,000 Albertans aged 8 to 21 could identify as neurodivergent.
Not surprisingly, many of Cassa Musical Arts students identify as Gifted. In Alberta, it is estimated that about 2 to 5% of the population is considered gifted, based on common educational and psychological definitions of giftedness. Therefore, an estimated 13,000 to 35,000 Albertans aged 8 to 21 are considered gifted.
Most notably, there’s significant overlap between giftedness and neurodivergence. This is often referred to as "twice exceptional" (2e). Studies suggest that 2e individuals may make up about 2-5% of the gifted population.
Intersectionality in Alberta's Population:
• 10-14% of individuals with autism might also be gifted, totalling 1,300-2,000. These individuals often have advanced skills in areas like mathematics and music, alongside challenges in social communication or sensory sensitivities.
• For those with ADHD, the overlap could total 3,000-3,500. These students often excel in creative problem-solving but may struggle with focus, organization, and impulse control.
• For learning disabilities, there could be 1,300-1,700. These students may show remarkable talents in creative or abstract thinking, even if they struggle with traditional literacy or numeracy tasks.
Challenges:
• Misidentification: Many 2e students are either identified as neurodivergent and their giftedness goes unrecognized, or they are identified as gifted, and their neurodivergent needs are overlooked.
• Complex Educational Needs: 2e students require specialized education that supports both their intellectual strengths and their neurodivergent challenges. Often, traditional education systems are not equipped to accommodate this dual set of needs.
Cassa Musical Arts Impact:
This intersectionality underscores the need for specialized, inclusive programs like Cassa Musical Arts that can cater to both gifted and neurodivergent students, offering them an environment where their unique strengths and needs are fully recognized and supported.