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Opening a World of Expression

Singing & piano lessons for people with disabilities

With Peter Muir, PhD

On Manhattan’s Upper West Side

Opening a World
of Expression

Singing & piano lessons for
people with disabilities

With Peter Muir, PhD

On Manhattan’s Upper West Side

“I offer specialized, one-on-one music lessons for the full spectrum of disabilities from my private NYC studio and online. With more than 35 years of experience, I shape every lesson around each student’s strengths, interests, challenges, and way of learning.”

– Peter Muir, PhD

Begin with a Consultation

My Approach

Peter Muir sits beside a grand piano in his music studio.

Shifting From Disability to Ability

This is an approach unlike any other — the product of over 35 years as an educator, musicologist, and performer, including my experience using music for well-being, and my work with hundreds of students with disabilities across the UK and US. It shifts the focus from disability to ability, realizing the musical potential that is innate in every student.

Contact to Learn More

Individualization

I develop a continuously evolving blueprint for each student, shaped around how they think, how they learn, and what challenges we’re working through together.

Universality

My approach is specifically designed to adapt to anyone — at any level of musical experience and across the full range of disabilities.

Beyond Music

The benefits of the Ability Music approach can extend well beyond the music itself. Very often, parents and caregivers notice enhancement in the student’s thinking, learning, communication, and even physical functioning — growth that continues over time, alongside the music.

Learning by Ear

My approach leads with the ear. Notation is available if it helps, but it’s never required. By learning music the way we first learn language — by listening and doing — students reach their natural musicality directly, without needing to read a note first.

Versatility

From classical and show tunes to jazz and pop, we meet the student on their own terms, using the music they love as the vehicle for their growth.

Peter Muir sits beside a grand piano in his music studio.

Shifting From Disability to Ability

This is an approach unlike any other — the product of over 35 years as an educator, musicologist, and performer, including my experience using music for well-being, and my work with hundreds of students with disabilities across the UK and US. It shifts the focus from disability to ability, realizing the musical potential that is innate in every student.

Individualization

I develop a continuously evolving blueprint for each student, shaped around how they think, how they learn, and what challenges we’re working through together.

Universality

My approach is specifically designed to adapt to anyone — at any level of musical experience and across the full range of disabilities.

Beyond Music

The benefits of the Ability Music approach can extend well beyond the music itself. Very often, parents and caregivers notice enhancement in the student’s thinking, learning, communication, and even physical functioning — growth that continues over time, alongside the music.

Learning by Ear

My approach leads with the ear instead. Notation is available if it helps, but it’s never required. By learning music the way we first learn language — by listening and doing — students reach their natural musicality directly, without needing to read a note first.

Versatility

From classical and show tunes to jazz and pop, we meet the student on their own terms, using the music they love as the vehicle for their growth.

Contact to Learn More

About Lessons

How are lessons structured?
Lessons are one-on-one, individually tailored to each student.

How long and how often are lessons?
Typically one hour per week, though frequency and length can be adjusted to suit the student.

In person or Zoom?
Lessons are taught from my studio on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, typically in-person, but Zoom is always available for students facing distance, mobility, or scheduling challenges.

Do you make home visits?
Home visits can be arranged in special circumstances.

What ages do you work with?
Generally children 10 and up, and adults of all ages.

What levels do you teach?
All levels, from beginners to advanced.

How are lessons structured?
Lessons are one-on-one, individually tailored to each student.

How long and how often are lessons?
Typically one hour per week, though frequency and length can be adjusted to suit the student.

In person or Zoom?
Lessons are taught from my studio on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, typically in-person, but Zoom is always available for students facing distance, mobility, or scheduling challenges.

Do you make home visits?
Home visits can be arranged in special circumstances.

What ages do you work with?
Generally children 10 and up, and adults of all ages.

What levels do you teach?
All levels, from beginners to advanced.

Lessons in Action

These videos of three of my long-term students show what music-making can become over time.

Elisa plays the piano with her teacher seated beside her.
Elisa lets loose on piano and voice, joining me for “Down by the Riverside.”
John and Peter Muir sit together at the piano during a music lesson.
In John’s lesson, he sings and plays “Over the Rainbow” on piano.
Michael sings into a microphone with one hand resting on his chest.
Michael spontaneously composes a song about heroes.
Begin with a Consultation

About Peter

Peter Muir sits beside a grand piano with bookshelves behind him.

Peter Muir, PhD

I am an internationally recognized educator, musicologist, and performer with a 35-year practice dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through music.

I studied piano and composition at the Royal College of Music in London, where I received numerous awards and fellowships. My career in the UK included serving as Head of Keyboards at Westminster School and performing in premier concert venues.

After relocating to the US in 1997, I earned a Ph.D. in Musicology from the City University of New York (CUNY), where I served on the adjunct faculty for five years. I also spent fifteen years as Director of the Institute for Music and Health, a center focused on the use of music for well-being. An award-winning author of two acclaimed books on American music, I have performed at festivals across the US, Europe, and Australasia.

In 1990, my discovery of the work of John Diamond, M.D., a pioneer in using music for well-being, was a transformative experience. I trained extensively with Dr. Diamond, applying his work to my own performing and teaching. Through this association and my work with students, I developed the Ability Music approach, using voice and piano to help individuals with developmental disabilities unlock their musical potential. I continue to apply this approach from my Central Park West studio, bringing it to students across New York City and beyond.

Peter Muir sits beside a grand piano with bookshelves behind him.

Peter Muir, PhD

Peter Muir performs at a grand piano with an orchestra and conductor.
See Peter play “Rhapsody in Blue”

“I provide one-on-one singing and piano lessons for people with disabilities of all ages and levels of functioning. I believe that anyone—whatever their challenges—can use music to enhance their life. To achieve this, I work directly with each student’s unique strengths, challenges, interests, and passions, ensuring that making music and the learning process itself become a joyful, rewarding, and life-affirming experience.”

Testimonials

In every interaction, he brings professionalism, humor, and genuine warmth.

“Peter Muir has been an invaluable and deeply beloved part of my two sons’ education and well-being. In every interaction, he brings professionalism, humor, and genuine warmth. He creates an environment where my children feel supported and inspired. Peter has guided my sons’ musical journeys with remarkable skill and momentum, helping them grow with confidence and enthusiasm. Both of my sons truly look forward to their weekly lessons—whether in person or over FaceTime—which speaks volumes about the joy and motivation Peter brings to his teaching.”

– Carolyn Nielsen, John’s Mother

Looking for an Exceptional Music Instructor? I Wholeheartedly Recommend Peter Muir.

“When my son Michael—who has autism and is visually impaired—was 14, he began struggling to read music fluently. We were searching for someone who could truly see his abilities beyond his challenges. That’s when we found Peter.

From the very first lesson, Peter connected with Michael. He teaches both neurotypical students and individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs. He can teach traditional music reading and also teaches beautifully by ear—opening doors that once felt closed.

Peter focuses on strengths, nurtures potential, and always adapts creatively to meet each student where they are. Nearly 25 years later, at 38 years old, Michael still studies with Peter and continues to thrive.

Over the decades, I’ve watched Peter work with students of all ages and abilities. He consistently brings out the very best in each of them. I’ve also seen Peter perform many times himself—his musical skills are superb. Whether you want to learn piano or voice for your own enjoyment, or you aspire to perform at the highest level, Peter Muir is an extraordinary teacher who meets you with talent, compassion, and dedication. I recommend him without hesitation.”

– Stephanie B., Michael’s Mother

He has an exceptional gift for meeting students exactly where they are and helping them grow

“For more than 15 years, our daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, has had the privilege of studying piano and voice with an extraordinary teacher, Dr. Peter Muir.

From the very beginning, he brought a rare combination of patience, creativity, and genuine commitment to nurturing her love of music and helping her reach her full potential. Dr. Muir’s unwavering dedication to understanding her unique learning style has been remarkable, as is his ability to adapt his teaching methods and guide her through challenges. He has an exceptional gift for meeting students exactly where they are and helping them grow with encouragement, respect, and deep musical insight. He has opened a world of expression, confidence, and joy for our daughter, including giving her the confidence to lead singalongs for others—an experience that fills her with immense pride and continues to enrich her life in profound and lasting ways. Over the years, Dr. Muir has become an important and positive presence in our daughter’s life. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the transformative impact he has had on her musical journey and personal growth.”

– Gail Saderholm, Samantha’s Mother

Dr. Muir’s work has opened the possibility for Kevin to take his rightful place in his community

“My son Kevin, a 34 year-old man with autism, cognitive disabilities, limited language, and poor coordination, is a happy person. A large and documentable amount of his happiness is due to Dr. Peter Muir. Starting with Dr. Muir as a teenager, Kevin had a naturally gentle disposition, which was wrapped in layers of shyness that compounded his other disabilities and isolated him from other people. Working with Dr. Muir in both individual and group settings, Kevin’s initial interest in music blossomed into a love of music and his shyness withered, revealing a natural, and contagious exuberance in his daily life and in his musical performance. In his day-to-day life this exuberance makes Kevin a social leader in the local disability community, and in his musical performances it creates an unexpected, immediate, fun-filled bond with the audience. In line with Dr. Muir’s stated values, Kevin’s confident performances, which never hide his disabilities and personal idiosyncrasies, conjure up our own humanity and that of all those present. It’s art in a most profound sense (and thrilling for me to witness).

None of this happens by accident. Dr. Muir’s highly developed principles and values, combined with his individualized teaching methods, render astonishing results for each student. Perhaps Dr. Muir’s… genius is his egalitarian appetite to comfortably uncover the extremes of human variation, and by imbuing them with music, demonstrate the diversity of humanity, in ways that delight, enlighten and heal us all.

For Kevin this has meant having fun at every session, even as his musical passions are expanded, which, in turn, has increased his social and intellectual passions. So Kevin now talks more, eats less, jokes a lot, dances often, and is attuned to others in a deep way. Guided by Dr. Muir through creative exercises with lyrics, Kevin has also moved from an ability to sight-read perhaps 50 words to now knowing how to phonetically sound out words, vastly enriching his reading. Nobody else (including me) has ever had such success in enlisting Kevin in learning.

Dr. Muir’s work has opened the possibility for Kevin to take his rightful place in his community, liking and being liked by people of all types, while maintaining his exceptional individual identity. Dr. Muir offers the very best of what parents hope for their children. Besides my family’s gratitude to Dr. Muir for the work he does with Kevin, I’m alert to the vast, life-giving changes he has effected in so many other students.” 

– Peter Leonard, Kevin’s Father, Retired College Professor

His lessons are filled with patience, warmth, humor, and encouragement

“For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of watching Dr. Muir teach and inspire students of all ages and abilities. I have seen firsthand how he creates a safe learning environment where every student feels welcomed, understood, valued, and is genuinely excited to make music.

Whether working with a young child with significant physical challenges, an autistic adult, or a student who simply learns differently, Peter has an extraordinary ability to recognize each person’s unique strengths and adapt his teaching to meet their individual needs. His lessons are filled with patience, warmth, humor, and encouragement, allowing students to develop not only musical skills but also confidence, creativity, communication, and self-esteem.

I have invited Peter to teach and perform in schools, colleges, and teacher-training programs on numerous occasions because I know his approach is both highly skilled and inclusive. His long experience as a music educator, together with his extensive background in using music for well-being, has enabled him to develop a marvelous unique teaching style that is truly individualized, compassionate and highly effective.

Perhaps what impresses me most is the lasting positive impact he has on his students. Many remain with him for years because, under Peter’s guidance, they continue to grow – not just musically, but also as people. Peter builds authentic relationships with his students and celebrates every step of their progress, no matter how small.

If you are looking for a music teacher who will recognize your child’s potential, nurture their confidence, and help them develop and experience the joy of making music, I recommend Peter Muir without reservation.”

– Sue Carpenter, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences
Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York
Music Educator and Special Education Specialist

Contact

I’d love to hear from you! Just fill out the form to get in touch, or book a complimentary consultation using the button below.

(347 673-1688)
info@abilitymusic.com
Schedule a Consultation
Peter Muir, PhD – Ability Music NYC