ABSTRACT
This chapter moves beyond the immediate classroom context to consider a range of ideas that should inform teachers' work in catering for the needs of musically talented pupils. It discusses many of the ideas that are becoming increasingly important in the discussions about the nature of music teaching and learning and have specific application to musically talented pupils. The chapter focuses on the three areas: creativity and the musically talented pupil; learning styles and musically talented pupils; and learning through performance: musical talent and pupils with communication, learning, movement and behavioural difficulties. Musical talent can be displayed in many ways and at many different levels. Amongst children and adults with these learning difficulties an array of musical talent can be found. The demonstration of this talent may be difficult for many of these children. Staff working with these pupils will need to consider the concept of hidden musical ability.
