About the Institute
Adaptive methods for today's students
The need for education tailored to diverse learning needs is growing every day. At Lotus Music Professional Development Institute, we train education professionals to incorporate adaptive methods into their classrooms and private studios so they can provide an excellent learning experience for every student they meet.
Advance your career
Practical skills to bring into the classroom
In addition to theory about music education, disability and neurodiversity, our training equips you with practical skills, activities, and resources you can take into your studio or classroom right away.
Grounded in academic research
Every blog post, resource, and course we create is evidence-based and rooted in academic research. Our team conducts research in adaptive music across the globe to bring you the best methods.
Learn from real music teachers
Our content is created by real music teachers with decades of experience working with diverse learners. The methods and resources you'll find here are what we use at our own school in Ottawa, Ontario, so we know they work.
Options for customized training
We will partner with your organization or academic institution to deliver customized training to your group, enriching your ability to serve the neurodiverse and disability communities.
Partnerships
Our collaborators
Meet our team
Erin Parkes, PhD
Dr. Erin Parkes received her Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts in Musicology, and Graduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy Research from the University of Ottawa. She completed a PhD in Music Education from McGill University in 2015, where she researched how to effectively train studio music teachers to work with students with autism. Erin has been teaching music since 1996 and has worked with students of all ages in a variety of settings. She presents at conferences and guest lectures throughout North America and internationally on adaptive music education.
Jeff Sabo, PhD
Professional Development Coordinator
Jeff has been a music lover for his whole life, and he began playing piano at age 5. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Theory from Ithaca College. In addition to music, Jeff is also passionate about helping people with their mental and physical wellness. He received Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and then worked as a community mental health counselor. Jeff came to the University of Ottawa and received a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy Research, and he is now pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences. Jeff has worked with students of many different ages and abilities. He loves playing and teaching many styles of music, such as classical, rock, and pop. His goal is to combine his passion for music and wellness and to adapt his approach to each individual student, so that anyone can enjoy making music in their own way.
Olivia Adams, PhD candidate
Director of Education
Olivia Adams is a pianist, teacher, researcher, and author. She is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Ottawa. Her research lies at the intersection of Music Education and Critical Disability Studies. Olivia holds a MA in Music and Feminist Studies from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours B.Mus. in Piano Performance from Western University. Olivia has over a decade of teaching experience in piano and choral classrooms and is part of multiple research teams at the intersection of music education and health. Olivia speaks, adjudicates, and performs across Canada and abroad, giving workshops on inclusivity and diversity in the piano studio. She is the author of Loud and Clear: A Guide to Levelled Piano Music by Women Composers in the 20th and 21st Centuries, which is used in music studios and classrooms in numerous countries.
About Lotus Music
Our story
At Lotus Music, our mission is to provide adaptive music experiences that nurture growth, creativity, and connection for individuals with diverse learning needs. We believe that equipping teachers and other educational professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to incorporate adaptive methods is essential to this mission. That’s why we founded the Lotus Music Professional Development Institute, a digital hub for training in adaptive music education.
Our goal is to provide both classroom and studio music teachers with skills, strategies, and resources they can use when teaching neurodivergent and disabled students. We offer a wide variety of training opportunities so that you can grow at any point in your career. As more and more students and families seek music education that is adaptive and appropriate for diverse learning styles, these skills are highly valuable and will help you continue to grow your teaching practice for years to come.
We look forward to working with you as part of our community of educators, supporting each other in our learning and teaching along the way.
Our goal is to provide both classroom and studio music teachers with skills, strategies, and resources they can use when teaching neurodivergent and disabled students. We offer a wide variety of training opportunities so that you can grow at any point in your career. As more and more students and families seek music education that is adaptive and appropriate for diverse learning styles, these skills are highly valuable and will help you continue to grow your teaching practice for years to come.
We look forward to working with you as part of our community of educators, supporting each other in our learning and teaching along the way.
Write your awesome label here.
Created with
