Hip Hop, Neurodivergence, and the Music Classroom: A New Groove

Hip hop can serve as a transformative tool for engaging neurodivergent learners and fostering creativity, expression, and social connection. With its rich cultural roots and dynamic, expressive nature, hip hop has proven to be an inclusive medium that resonates with diverse learners, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits. In this webinar, you will:

• Understand how hip hop can be a bridge for neurodivergent learners in music education.
• Explore the role of rhythm, lyricism, and beat-making in supporting cognitive development and emotional expression.
• Learn strategies for integrating hip hop into the classroom to accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Gain practical tools for creating inclusive music education programs that embrace neurodivergence.

This webinar is ideal for music educators, special education professionals, art therapists, and those working with neurodivergent individuals. Join us in exploring the power of music and culture to create meaningful educational experiences for all students.

Andrew Wang received his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and a master’s degree in music education from Kent State University in Ohio. He served as the music education consultant for the book We Got Our Own Thang: A Look at Hip-Hop from the 914. Known as “Mr. Hip Hop” while teaching in the Yonkers Public Schools, he writes and presents nationally and internationally on using hip hop in the music education curriculum.

José Valentino Ruiz is a multi-Latin GRAMMY® winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and performing artist who serves as the Expert Columnist for Music Business and Creative Enterprise Leadership at F-Flat Books and is the founder of JV Music Enterprises. Formerly, he was a music teacher at Pepin Academies, a charter school for neurodivergent learners. Notably, his hip-hop production for the documentary Art Vessel—highlighting hip hop art’s cultural impact—earned an EMMY® Award for Best Cultural Documentary in 2018. For more information, visit www.josevalentino.com.

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.