Autism, dyslexia, and ADHD are some of the most common forms of neurodivergence among music students, and each neurotype has different needs for learning music. Additionally, various types of comorbidity between all of these neurotypes (and others) is extremely common, which can further complicate lesson planning and teaching for music educators. This session will not only highlight the unique differences and similarities between the learning challenges of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia in the context of music lessons, but will also provide a thorough view of typical assumptions surrounding these forms of neurodivergence and the best proven research and experience-based approaches for piano instruction. Teachers will leave with practical strategies and best approaches for guiding their creative neurodivergent learners.

Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Everhart holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Performance, a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Piano. Elizabeth’s doctoral dissertation, “Approaches to Music Reading for Piano Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder” was the first research document published in that area. In 2023, Elizabeth was nominated for “Who’s Who in America” to represent North Carolina in the Special and Gifted Educational Professionals category for her contributions to music and arts for individuals with disabilities. 

For the last 18 years, Elizabeth has taught piano to students of all ages and abilities and currently has both a vibrant in-person studio at her home in Savannah, GA and a virtual studio of students from around the U.S. Elizabeth enjoys working with learners of all ages and levels, but especially finds joy in working with savants, very young students and students with behavior struggles.

Dr. Davis-Everhart is an active presenter for music organizations and conferences, is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator for piano festivals and competitions and serves as the V.P. and President-Elect of the Savannah Music Teacher’s Association. Elizabeth is also the founder of “Creative Piano Pedagogy,” a blog and hub for teaching resources, community events and pedagogy courses on adaptive and creative piano teaching for teachers around the world. 

Elizabeth and her husband James live in beautiful Savannah, GA with their Siberian Husky, Rory. When she’s not teaching, Elizabeth enjoys reading, baking bread, gardening, fishing, and traveling. 

Social media links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CreativePianoPedagogy

Instagram: www.instagram.com/creative_piano_pedagogy

Website: www.elizabethdavispiano.com

Dr. Olivia Grace Colomaio currently serves as Director of the Center for Piano Studies at the University of South Carolina, where she coordinates pre-collegiate and adult piano programs, leads curriculum development, and oversees emerging teachers. A dedicated pedagogue, Dr. Colomaio has presented her research on teaching students with dyslexia on webinars, panels, and sessions at state, national, and international conferences. She is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments for all types of learners, and she adores her beautifully neurodiverse piano studio. Dr. Colomaio is also a dedicated pianist with a passion for collaborative performance, especially in the choral setting. She has been accompanying choirs regularly since the age of 14 and has been privileged to travel and perform with several groups, both nationally and internationally. She earned her DMA in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, where her dissertation was awarded the Outstanding Dissertation Award, MM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Campbellsville University, and BS in Piano Performance from Roberts Wesleyan University. She currently resides in Lexington, SC with her husband, the other Dr. Colomaio.  

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