MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y., Jan. 9, 2026 — Shrub Oak International School is pleased to showcase its Music Education Program, a distinct and highly personalized initiative that merges therapeutic self-expression with skill-focused learning to foster the growth of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. Grounded in each student’s unique strengths, passions, and learning profiles, the program offers meaningful opportunities to build musical abilities while cultivating essential life skills like confidence, resilience, communication, and collaboration.

Music education at Shrub Oak International School is purposefully designed to support growth beyond performance. As students explore instruments, singing, and creative expression, they are also encouraged to recognize and confront challenges, identify coping strategies, and build perseverance through consistent practice. In this way, music serves as both a learning tool and a therapeutic outlet, helping students develop emotional regulation, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-advocacy in a structured, motivating environment.

“Strengths don’t exist without weaknesses, and music gives our students a safe and meaningful way to recognize and work through challenges,” stated Jeana Alfano, Music Teacher at Shrub Oak International School. “Musicianship requires teamwork, confidence, resilience, and dedication—skills that students actively cultivate in class.”

The Music Education Program is structured to meet students at their current level, offering thoughtfully differentiated instruction that supports a wide range of communication styles, sensory needs, and learning preferences. Students build foundational musical skills such as rhythm, timing, coordination, listening, and expression while strengthening independence and peer connection through shared creative experiences.

Over her four years at Shrub Oak International School, Alfano has witnessed powerful examples of student growth through individualized instruction and long-term skill development. One student began simply by singing while Alfano accompanied her. Over time, she learned to accompany herself on piano and now performs as part of a duet—playing bass guitar, singing lead vocals, and collaborating while Alfano provides guitar and backup vocals.

Another example is a Deaf student who initially connected to music through drumming, which provided strong physical feedback and sensory stimulation. Through close collaboration with ASL interpreters and differentiated instruction, that student is now expanding their musical engagement by performing on piano, maintaining rhythm and tempo through a new modality, and building timing and coordination skills.

A third student who previously declined to participate in music class now attends daily—including outside scheduled hours—and has co-written three original songs that will be recorded and shared within the school community. The student’s transformation reflects the program’s ability to foster trust, motivation, and sustained engagement over time.

As a culminating opportunity each semester, students may participate in a community-wide Music Showcase, applying skills developed through rehearsal, collaboration, and creative expression. Students perform in cohort groups, and some may choose to do solos after receiving one-on-one coaching and feedback, further reinforcing accountability, responsibility, and confidence.

Ultimately, Shrub Oak International School’s Music Education Program is not just about learning music—it’s about helping autistic students build self-expression, confidence, and personal growth that transcends the classroom. Through individualized instruction and meaningful opportunities to collaborate and create, the program embodies Shrub Oak’s strengths- and passion-based approach to student success.

About Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak

Shrub Oak International School’s mission is to enhance the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. Through individualized, strengths- and passion-based learning, we help students form meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and maximize their potential.

Situated on Shrub Oak International School’s campus, The Pines at Shrub Oak is a specialized therapeutic program designed to address the unique needs of neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults—with or without an autism diagnosis—who require intensive psychiatric support.

Shrub Oak International School holds accreditation from:

• The National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), including Level III Therapeutic Certification, Academic Accreditation, and an Autism Endorsement;
• The Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)—a globally recognized leader in school accreditation and improvement; and
• Cognia, signifying the school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness.

For more information about Shrub Oak International School, visit

SOURCE: Shrub Oak International School