Special education, music therapy, occupational therapy and recreational therapy all have a place for both classical and folk music. Folk music is an expression of times, events, stories and places preserved for future generations. Many classical masterpieces of music have their roots in the melodies and rhythms of folk music. Kaila Rochelle's piano web page has many examples of dances taken from folk music from all around the globe. These include Gottschalk's Bamboula which contains Creole slave melodies and Chopin Mazurkas which evoke a Polish dance form from the 17th century. Andalusian folk music, Brazilian and English folk dances, Viennese waltzes, middle eastern modes, early jazz dances, Norwegian and many other folkloric traditions are represented on the piano web page. American Civil War music, 19th century work songs, Native American thematic material, Jewish dance music, sports, seasonal and regional songs are represented on this folk music web page.

Regardless of the challenge, be it neural tube defects, spina bifida, learning disabilities, visual disabilities, or emotional challenges, familiar folk music serves as a common denominator among people. Songs such as Jingle Bells are part of our collective consciousness. While classical music broadens our scope of style, mood and imagination, folk music can be used to evoke a sense of belonging. Each has an important role to play in the lives of special needs students. The following folk songs can be enjoyed by all, as part of the process of community music. The following arrangements and improvisations by Kaila Rochelle and Kenneth Babb, were performed using a Roland midi keyboard, ivory piano software and acoustic instruments.

It is really fun to sing and play along with a SMART Board. Students with visual challenges and students with multiple and other challenges can have a great time looking at large pictures related to songs as they sing or play. Students can learn to navigate specialneedsinmusic.com in a supportive atmosphere by clicking on the links for their classmates. They can learn how to find their favorite links through repetitive activities.