Workshops and Trainings

Different Dynamics provides workshops and trainings that help educators and arts organizations become more inclusive. Our sessions are practical, engaging, and designed to give you tools you can use right away. Every workshop reflects our belief that advocating for people with disabilities and working toward a more inclusive society matters.

Adaptive and Inclusive Music Education for Special Learners

Led by retired special education Music Teacher Paula Berner and Emilee Kellermann, this workshop explores the question, “How do we help neurodiverse learners thrive in the music classroom?” Participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, with a focus on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learn how understanding both the diagnosis and the individual student can lead to more effective teaching. The workshop will explore the differences between adaptations and modifications and how they can be incorporated into lesson planning and instruction to support student success.

Participants will also learn about practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors and responding to sensory overload and meltdowns in the music classroom. The workshop concludes with a group discussion and brainstorming session, equipping participants with practical ideas they can immediately apply in their own classrooms.

This training is approximately two hours in length and is available both in-person and virtual format.

Contact us at yourfriends@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org for pricing.

Sensory Awareness Training

Led by retired special education music teacher Paula Berner, The Sensory Connection is designed for anyone interested in better understanding the sensory systems and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). We are all sensory beings, and the way we process sensory information influences how we learn, interact, and function in our daily lives. This workshop explores how greater sensory awareness can lead to more inclusive, supportive, and effective environments for everyone.

Especially valuable for organizations - including those in the performing arts - this training provides practical strategies for creating welcoming spaces for people of all abilities

This training is approximately one hour in length and is available both in-person and virtual format.

Contact us at yourfriends@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org for more information and for pricing.

Customized Workshops for your next PD day

Are you looking for ways to incorporate meaningful experiences with music into your curriculum for special learners? We can create a customized workshop just for you!

Contact Emilee at emilee@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org to discuss ideas and pricing.