Elena Cucharo, a music teacher at Viscardi has been asked to present at the New York State School Music Association Conference (NYSSMA). Elena L. Cucharo graduated from C.W. Post University in 2008, with a B.M. in Music Education. She began teaching at the Henry Viscardi School in July of 2008 and in September was officially appointed the school’s music teacher. It was this new position, coupled with the extraordinary students of Viscardi that inspired Elena to begin research into providing better and more adaptive techniques for teaching music education to students with physical disabilities.
This research afforded Elena the opportunity to further her own education and in September of 2010, she earned her M.A in Music History from C.W. Post. Her thesis, entitled “Everyone Plays Together: Adaptive Strategies and Instruments to Raise the Level of Musical Participation in Students with Physical Disabilities” has inspired teachers, of able and disabled students alike, to introduce new and innovative techniques that help facilitate inclusion and participation in the music classroom.
In recognition of Elena’s passion and hard work, she has been asked to present her thesis, and the work surrounding it, at the upcoming 2011 NYSSMA Conference to be held on December 3rd in Rochester, NY. Currently, Elena continues her work at Viscardi and plans to begin her Doctoral program in 2012.