Mary Adamek

Relaxation Training and Postoperative Music Therapy for Adolescents Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery

&NA; Spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most painful surgeries experienced by adolescents. Music therapy, utilizing music‐assisted relaxation with controlled breathing and imagery, is a promising intervention for reducing pain and anxiety for these patients. It can be challenging to teach new coping strategies to post‐operative patients who are already in pain. This study evaluated the effects of introducing music‐assisted relaxation training to adolescents before surgery. Outcome measures were self‐reported pain and anxiety, recorded on 0‐10 numeric rating scale, and observed behavioral indicators of pain and relaxation. The training intervention was a 12‐minute video about music‐assisted relaxation with opportunities to practice before surgery. Forty‐four participants between the ages of 10 and 19 were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group that watched the video at the preoperative visit or to the control group that did not watch the video. All subjects received a music therapy session with a board certified music therapist on post‐operative day 2 while out of bed for the first time. Pain and anxiety were significantly reduced from immediately pre‐therapy to post‐therapy (paired t‐test; p).

Recent and Continuing Initiatives and Practices in Special Education.

A number of initiatives in special education have occurred in the United States over the years, some mandated by amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Having a working knowledge of these initiatives allows music educators to have informed discussions with colleagues and parents and participate more fully in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Adopting special education practices that are appropriate to music education can also promote consistent and coordinated efforts on behalf of students with disabilities. This article includes summaries of current practices and initiatives in special education. For music educators who would like a basic understanding of their colleagues’ discipline, these summaries offer useful information that can facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities.

Instructional Strategies for the Inclusive Music Classroom

While inclusive education is an admirable ideal, it is often difficult to implement. Successful educators have found that employing certain instructional strategies can help meet the needs of students with varying abilities. Inclusive teaching strategies refer to any number of teaching approaches that address the needs of students with a variety of backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities. This article cites various strategies found to be effective in the inclusive classroom. These strategies contribute to the overall learning environment.