MAKING NEW FRIENDS: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON THE USE OF THE GROUP PIANO METHODOLOGY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES FROM THE ASSOCIAZIONE NUOVI AMICI IN RECANATI (ITALY)

This study focuses on reflecting on the benefits and advantages of group piano teaching using the traditional American methodology for individuals with intellectual disabilities at the Associazione Nuovo Amici in Recanati, Macerata, Italy.The qualitative research was based on seven weekly in-person sessions held from January to February 2025, each lasting two hours, and was conducted through the development and application of a social behavior checklist for autism research, adapted by the author.The activities carried out during the sessions with the seven young participants from the institution were selected from various exercises in the textbook Piano 101, specifically designed for group piano lessons for teenage and adult beginners, aiming to create and nurture positive and meaningful musical and cultural memories for their human and social development.Based on a participant logbook structured by the author and collaborators from Associazione Nuovi Amici, who attended the sessions, it was possible to observe how the group piano teaching methodology positively impacted not only those who wished to learn specific musical contents, but especially in fostering creative, collaborative, and supportive behaviors -essential for a healthy life in a society that still segregates, labels, and marginalizes so many people.