Teaching Music to AEN/SEN Students
This certified course is designed to empower educators with the skills, strategies, and confidence to support students with additional needs effectively.
Description
Participants will explore practical teaching techniques and learn to integrate supportive technologies that enhance student engagement and success.
The course provides an in-depth focus on a variety of neuro-divergent needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, DCD, Dyslexia, Anxiety and Emotional/Behavioural Issues, among others.
Educators will develop personalized approaches to create inclusive and accessible learning environments.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with tools and insights to better meet the diverse needs of their students, fostering a culture of belonging and achievement.
Participants will be given the opportunity to take part in a self-evaluation at the end of the course, to see what they have learned, and receive a certificate upon completing the course.
Course Schedule (Live Online) :
Sunday 11th October (10am - 12pm) - tbc
Sunday 18th October (10am - 12pm) - tbc
(2 weeks break for Bank Holiday Weekend and Midterm )
Sunday 8th November (10am - 12pm) - tbc
Sunday 15th November (10am - 12pm) - tbc
A Zoom link for online participation will be provided ahead of the course start date.
Tutors
Kim Fallen Bailey
BMusEd, (Hons) TCD (commendation award), Grad Dip (DIT)
Kim Fallen Bailey is a music educator, school leader, teacher trainer, and advocate for inclusive music education with almost twenty years of experience across conservatoire, special education, community, and international settings. Her work focuses on creating accessible and meaningful musical learning experiences for learners of all ages and abilities while supporting educators in developing inclusive and sustainable teaching practices.
Kim graduated from Trinity College Dublin and the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama in 2007 with an Honours Degree in Music Education and a Commendation for Teaching Excellence. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership, curriculum development, teacher education, and inclusive practice across a wide range of learning environments.
Since 2007, Kim has served as Head of Music and ICT at Crannog Nua Special School, an HSE educational facility supporting young people with emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties, many of whom have additional learning needs. Her work encompasses music, music technology, ICT, and accredited programmes delivered through a trauma-informed and student-centred approach. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, she develops educational programmes that use music to foster engagement, self-expression, confidence, and personal growth.
Kim divides her professional time between Crannog Nua and the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where she has taught since 2007. Working within the Musicianship Department, she teaches music theory, aural skills, music technology, and Leaving Certificate Music, and leads interactive aural skills workshops for students throughout the academic year. She also delivers the Academy’s annual Leaving Certificate Easter Revision Course and has developed online professional learning resources for music teachers in Ireland and internationally.
Kim is also the founder and director of Ceol Draíochta Music School, established in 2004 in Donabate, County Dublin. Through the school, she has built a vibrant community music environment that provides instrumental, vocal, musicianship, and examination preparation programmes while promoting creativity, performance, and lifelong engagement with music.
Since 2022, Kim has represented RIAM within the Erasmus+ IncluMusic project, collaborating with the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC) and partner institutions across Europe to develop innovative resources for inclusive music education. Her work has included the design and development of a pioneering self-paced online course that equips educators with practical strategies for implementing inclusive pedagogies in diverse learning settings. Details are available on www.incluMusic.eu
In 2025, Kim was selected to join the AEC Special Educational Needs Working Group, which will continue until 2028. Through this role, she contributes to the design and delivery of workshops, conference presentations, professional development events, and in-person training programmes that support inclusive practice within higher music education. She also facilitates online Teaching Tools sessions with conservatoires and music institutions across Europe, supporting teachers in developing effective approaches for working with neurodivergent students and creating more accessible learning environments.
Kim is passionate about bridging research, practice, and innovation in music education and is committed to ensuring that all learners have opportunities to engage, participate, and thrive through music.
Jessica Harris
Jessica’s career began as a musician studying at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and she has performed throughout Ireland and the U.K. with orchestras and ensembles such as the National Symphony and National Concert Orchestras of Ireland.
Her love for connecting with and supporting people of all ages and abilities then led her to music therapy and in 2010 She completed her Masters in Music Therapy at UL. Following graduation she began work with Music Therapy Ireland and has since continued to work privately.
She has provided music therapy to clients across a wide range of populations and ages including within Autism Initiatives Ireland, Bloomfield Health Services, the Central Remedial Clinic and Lois Bridges.
Jessica has been delighted to return to the RIAM to co-ordinate, develop and deliver music therapy. As such she is adept at blending and working within a multi-disciplinary team and has introduced and developed music therapy services as being of integral value towards wellbeing.
Her approach is person-centred and psychodynamic, supporting and meeting HIQUA standards. She is passionate and committed to providing opportunities for change, hope and joy.
Prerequisites
Course Participants' Age: 18+
Online participation will require:
- Computer or tablet with camera
- Headphones (optional)
- Sufficient Wifi signal