Autism Music Lessons - Rockland/Bergen

Autism Music Lessons Bergen, NJ Rockland, NY. Message for more details.

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Chris Brunelle began his teaching career in the New York City Fellows with a focus on serving students in District 75. Not a geographic district, but rather a citywide district that supports the individualized educational path of students with moderate to severe disabilities. One of the bright shining lights in District 75 is The Mickey Mantle School. When interviewing for a position there, administrators saw potential in Brunelle's lifelong love of music.

Prior to teaching, Brunelle was classically trained in his youth, having achieved best in state and best in New England on his instrument throughout high school. He was fortunate to be accepted to the New England Conservatory Youth Symphony in Boston as a junior in high school that culminated with a performance on National Public Radio. In college, he found his true passion writing and recording original songs. Having started multiple bands playing the live circuit in the Northeast, Brunelle moved to New York City to further this dream. A regular staple in the clubs and DIY spaces of the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, and Bushwick, the indie/alternative bands he led were featured on NBC and MTV.

As he wanted to transition into a more stable career for his new family, Brunelle pointed his sails toward special education, as a majority of his youth was spent volunteering for the local RIARC organization. He would volunteer regularly with his mom at summer camps, fundraisers, and performances for students and adults living with autism and Downs Syndrome.

At The Mickey Mantle School, Brunelle connected his deep love for music with serving students living with autism and emotional disturbance. Delving into a deeper focus on the autism population early in his teaching career, Brunelle developed a system of music instruction that prioritized fun, student choice, modified instruments, and sheet music that capitalizes on the need for rich visual support. The goal has always been for students to be able to connect with melody in an immediate and achievable way to bolster confidence, exploration, and joy.

Furthermore, Brunelle's greatest joy is to see his highly dependent students stand on stage independently, perform a song on their instrument, and be showered with applause by their peers, educators, and families. Currently working with 3K-through 8th grade students, he has taught students ukulele. keyboard, xylophone, percussion, boomwhacker, toy guitar, trumpet, singing, creating original instrumental melodies, and creating their own original hip hop.

Autism Music Lessons - Rockland/Bergen Veteran music teacher specializing in innovative instruction for students with moderate to severe Autism and other special needs—designed to amplify their strengths.