Hi! Does anyone have any advice on teaching guitar/music theory to children with Down Syndrome?

Question

A beautiful young lady, 15 years old, was recently referred to me for guitar lessons. I have had two lessons with her already, but I am realizing that the method I use normally is not being effective. She is very artistic and creative, speaks and comprehends well, is on schedule at school, and involved in theater. I would welcome tips from anyone who has had experience in this area, thank you!

Answer 1

Make things visual.  For example, instead explaining the structure of a scale as half + whole tones,  show her directly on the fretboard what you mean.  Place your finger on a G, for example, and show her that A is 2 half tones up by counting up the string and showing her.

It is also helpful to have a keyboard handy.  Use a Vis-a-Vis (a wet erase marker) and write the names of the notes on the white keys.  To show her what a flat/sharp is, for example Csharp, place your finger on the note, then move it UP to a the next black key, do the same for flats.

You can also use the keyboard to explain the tonal relations of B+C and E+F.

If you really wanted to put some effort into it, get four different colors of tape, nail polish, ect.  Assign each finger on the left hand a different color.  When using chord, tab, or traditional staff, color the note/finger position with the corresponding color.

Also with color, make good use of the dots on the fretboard.  Make sure she understands that each dot shows the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets.  You could also color code these on her guitar itself (with the tape, lol) and use it for chord diagrams.

Writing the number of the dotted frets on masking tape and placing them on the top of the fretboard (when held) will also help until she developes muscle memory.

Flash card with pictures (of the hand in position for chords) will help tremendously.  You will have to make your own as you can't buy them.  Also, picture chord-dictionaries will be helpful.

If I can give you anymore ideas, feel free to message me.