Volume 1, No. 1 September 2003

TEACHING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TO
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS

Phillip M. Hash
University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign

hash@uiuc.edu

Abstract

Many Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals have successfully participated in instrumental music programs for over 100 years. In spite of proven success, however, many directors are reluctant to involve students with hearing loss in school bands and orchestras. Reasons may include a lack of knowledge regarding the needs and capabilities of these learners, or the fear that D/HH musicians will negatively impact the performance quality of the ensemble. By becoming familiar with the characteristics and abilities of D/HH students, as well as methods for instructing these individuals, music educators will be better prepared to serve this population. This article provides information related to teaching D/HH students in the instrumental music classroom. Terminology describing hearing loss, necessary modifications to the physical environment, alternative teaching strategies, and appropriate instrument selection are all discussed.

Article and References

About the Author

Phillip M. Hash is currently pursuing an Ed. D. in music education at the University of Illinois. He holds a M.M. in wind conducting from Northwestern University, and a B.M. in music education from Millikin University. His professional affiliations include MENC: The National Association for Music Education/Illinois Music Educators Association, Illinois Grade School Music Association, American Choral Directors Association, National Band Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda Honorary Music Fraternity. He has recently published articles in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, and Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society.

Mr. Hash has taught instrumental music in northern Illinois for the past 14 years. He is also choir director at the Christian Reformed Church of Western Springs, and a published arranger of instrumental music with Grand Mesa Music and Daehn Publications.

Mr. Hash serves as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the Chicago area, and is a recipient of a National Band Association Citation of Excellence and the Outstanding Chicagoland Music Educator Award. Bands under his direction have performed at numerous events including the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival and the Illinois Music Educators Association All State Conference.