2026 Dorothy Bee Scholarship Recipients
A scholarship of $750 is available to an SRMTA member or Affiliate SRMTA member wishing to pursue further studies.
Kim Engen, Regina
I am incredibly grateful to the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association for their generous support from the Dorothy Bee Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship enabled me to complete my Certificate in Adaptive Music Education under Dr. Erin Parkes of the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education. This opportunity has been both inspiring and transformative, providing me with new perspectives and practical strategies for creating more inclusive and accessible music lessons.
This on-line certificate program included weekly video lectures, discussion groups, readings, assignments, and an exam at the end of each of the three ten-week courses. During this program we covered a wide variety of exceptionalities, including students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, communication disorders, mental health challenges, vision and hearing impairments, dementia, gifted students, and twice exceptional students. Within the framework of teaching students with exceptionalities, we also discussed lesson and curriculum planning, empathy-based approaches to teaching, the science of behavior, teacher burnout, preparing students for exams and festivals, the use of technology, and working with parents and caregivers.
I found the variety of adaptive musical instruments and technology available to be especially interesting. From eye-gaze instruments and the Soundbeam to accessible apps such as AUMI and ThumbJam, these tools provide meaningful opportunities for music-making for students with diverse abilities. I was also impressed by the range of activities available through Chrome Music Lab. The adaptive instrument that stood out was the Skoog, an Apple-compatible device designed for people with limited fine motor control. This soft, programmable cube allows users to create and modify sounds by pressing, squeezing, or twisting its surfaces. These tools allow a wider range of students to engage with music and express themselves creatively.
Completing this certificate program significantly enhanced my ability to work effectively with students who have diverse learning needs and exceptionalities. It strengthened my understanding of neurodiversity, sensory processing, and individualized learning approaches and has given me the skills to design lessons that are engaging, flexible, and responsive to each student’s strengths.
As my class discussed learning styles and multimodal instruction (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, read/write), I realized that I am primarily a visual and kinesthetic learner. Reflecting on my childhood piano lessons, I now understand how much my learning experience could have been enhanced using more visual supports and hands-on materials. This realization has influenced my own teaching, and I have been intentional about incorporating even more manipulatives, visual representations, and interactive activities into my studio to better support my students’ learning.
As private music educators, we often work with students with exceptionalities in our studios, even when a formal label or diagnosis is not present. These students require supportive learning environments and thoughtful and creative adaptations to reach their full potential. However, students with exceptionalities do remain underrepresented in private music studios because their learning needs do not always align with traditional approaches to music instruction. This course has given me the ability to move beyond some of the traditional teaching approaches, evolve as a teacher, and grow into a more inclusive and empathetic educator.
For my students, this training translates into more meaningful and equitable access to music education. By applying adaptive strategies, multisensory instruction, and strengths-based approaches, I am better equipped to support their musical development, emotional well-being, and self-confidence. Music can be a powerful tool for communication, connection, and self-regulation, particularly for students with additional learning needs.
Completing this program has provided me with the skills to create a learning environment where all students will feel safe, capable, and valued as musicians. Thank you again to the SRMTA for providing me with this valuable professional development opportunity!
Laurel Teichroeb, Yorkton
The deadline for the 2027 Dorothy Bee Scholarship is January 31, 2027. Apply online.
