How it works
Online Piano Lessons
Teaching a mainstream collection of music written in an alternative language that enhances cognitive development. The lessons occur in an environment of empathy, caring, and patience while being void of distraction and unnecessary stimuli.
The lessons help students with many core issues:
Cognitive Gain
Expanded Attention Span
Posture Strengthening
Confidence Building
Ocular Motor Strengthening
And Other Areas Of Improvement
The lessons are very effective for highly impacted and non-verbal students.
Online Drum Lessons
By combing simple phonics with a multi-sensory approach, students learn to play basic grooves and interesting rhythms. (the methodology is effective with nonverbal students too) The lessons are super engaging and fun, and have a positive spillover into areas of cognitive and social development. Get ready to rock!
Online Music Lessons
Using rhythms and music to teach academic concepts to reinforce cognitive development.
Online lessons for students anywhere in the world.
The online lessons use rhythms to teach positive communication, social skills, and academic concepts. This is no ordinary music therapy protocol: it’s a learning environment that engages students through the power of music.
The lessons are successful in addressing COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL goals. Through inventive multi-sensory exercises, the sessions teach and enhance skills such as maintaining focus, using memory, sequencing, sign language, laterality, recognition and use of numbers, shapes and colors, spatial awareness, fine and gross motor coordination, following instructions, and communication.
Through a perceptual motor match: VISUAL, TACTILE and AUDITORY combined with SPEECH, the student sees the lesson, feels it, and then hears it as he/she speaks or sings the answers. It is this redundancy of information that facilitates positive results.
The only equipment necessary is a small hand drum and a computer or iPad with Skype. Call or write for a complementary 20 minute session.
Social Skills Percussion Class
In-Person Social Skills Music Classes for Children and Teens (Starting September-2026)
Stephen Flinn uses drums and percussion to teach social skills, positive communication and academic concepts using the Rhythmic Arts Project protocol.
The method is successful in addressing COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL goals. Through inventive multi-sensory exercises, the program teaches and enhances skills such as maintaining focus, using memory, socialization, turn taking, sequencing, sign language, laterality, developing leadership, recognition and use of numbers, shapes and colors, spatial awareness, fine and gross motor coordination, following instructions, and communication.
Through a perceptual motor match: VISUAL, TACTILE and AUDITORY combined with SPEECH, the student sees the lesson, feels it, and then hears it as he/she speaks or sings the answers. (Great for non-verbal students too) It is this redundancy of information that facilitates positive results.
The goal is simple: Help your child feel more connected, more confident, and more capable
This in-person social skills music class in Seattle uses rhythm and percussion-based learning to help children of all ages with autism and special needs build positive communication, academic concepts and social skills in a calm, engaging environment.
A Different Kind of Learning Environment
Many parents have tried traditional lessons or programs that simply didn’t connect. This class is different. Through a multi-sensory rhythm-based method, students don’t just listen, they see, feel, and actively participate in every step. This approach helps children:
Improve focus and attention span
Develop social interaction and turn-taking
Strengthen communication
Build confidence in group settings
Follow instructions with greater ease
How this Social Skills Music Class Works
The class combines music fundamentals with rhythm and percussion exercises designed specifically for children with autism and special needs. Using a structured system based on rhythm patterns, phonics, and repetition, students begin to:
Recognize patterns and sequences
Respond to cues and group interaction
Engage in shared musical activities
Practice communication in a natural, low-pressure way
Because the method uses visual, tactile, auditory, and speech-based learning together, it reinforces understanding in a way that sticks. Many parents report improvements not only during class, but in daily routines, communication, and behavior at home.
Designed for Autistic & Special Needs Students
This program is created specifically for children and teens of all ages with:
Autism
Asperger’s Syndrome
ADHD
Down Syndrome
Other special needs or learning differences
It is especially effective for students who:
Have difficulty engaging in traditional lessons
Struggle with communication or social settings
Need a calm, structured, and supportive environment
Led by an Experienced Instructor
Stephen Flinn brings over 25 years of teaching experience and has taught more than 27,000 private lessons and 1,300+ group classes. He has worked with schools and autism programs across the United States helping students develop focus, communication, and confidence through music.
Seattle In-Person Classes (Starting September-2026)
Stephen Flinn at Special Needs Music is now offering in-person autism social skills music classes in Seattle, designed for small groups to ensure each child receives attention and support.
Limited spots for fall 2026 Seattle Classe: Because small group sizes help create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where students can grow at their own pace.
Serving Families across the US.
While this class is held in Seattle, Stephen Flinn works with families across the USA. If you are looking for a program that improve autism social skills with music and focuses on real outcomes, not just activities.