Songwriting with Monique C.

I specialize in teaching students with autism or other similar behavioral/learning challenges. I am a Registered Behavior Tech with a graduate level degree who is currently pursuing a post graduate certificate to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I am trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies. I have been sharing the joy of playing guitar with others since 1983. I attended Guitar Institute of Technology from September 1984 to September 1985 and still hold the title as the youngest female graduate at the school to this day. I later earned a Masters degree in teaching and learning to enhance my skills as a teacher in music and in other areas of education; but I learned some very valuable skills in my graduate program that give me an edge over teachers without an advanced degree. I have studied how people learn, how learning styles vary and how to identify and accommodate various learning styles in order to get the most from each individual student and teach each student in the most effective manner according to their particular learning style. *** Lesson Details *** While I may have formal training in teaching, my actual approach is very holistic. I like to get to know my students; I want to know about them- what kind of music they are interested in and how they learn best. Once I determine the type of learner that I am working with and what the student would like to achieve, I then use that to develop an individualized approach for that student. I believe that fundamentals are necessary and good, but I also believe that those fundamentals should be put to use in a manner that accommodates the student and their particular likes and musical goals as quickly as possible. What good are concepts without application? I want to see students playing with skill AND with joy because they are able to play what they love to listen to and even more....I like to see students create their own music with the skills that they acquire. *** Travel Equipment *** Student needs instrument, writing tools, paper, CD player or MP3 player. *** Specialties *** (Autism Spectrum Disorders ABA trained) I don't necessarily specialize in any particular method, especially given the fact that I am accustomed to customizing curriculum in the educational realm. I evaluate each student's individual styles, abilities and desires with regard to what they want to learn.