Forum:2 Students with Disabilities in the String Classroom: An Integrative Review

Abstract

There is limited information on students with disabilities in the string classroom. The aim of this integrative review was to synthesize the existing knowledge and trends regarding educational practices for students with disabilities in the string or orchestra classroom. A total of 20 articles met inclusion criteria. The majority of available information consisted of expert opinion, with no true experimental designs found on string/orchestral education for students with disabilities. The analysis revealed that having a disability does not prevent a child from achieving on a string instrument, although barriers and challenges to participation do exist. Furthermore, the review showed that investigations specifically targeting string educators or teaching strategies in the string classroom are limited at best. More research is needed to better understand how students with disabilities can be effectively included in the string classroom.