For over 35 years, I have pioneered a highly individualized approach to music education for people with disabilities, shifting the focus from perceived limitation to the realization of innate musical potential.
Here are some features of this approach:
Individualization
I develop a personalized approach for each student, honoring their unique strengths and challenges.
Universality
My approach is equally adaptable for novices or advanced-level, and for the full spectrum of developmental disabilities
Learning by Ear
By prioritizing experiential music-making over learning to read notation, I bypass cognitive barriers to access the student’s natural, inner musicality.
Versatility
From Classical and Show Tunes to Jazz and Pop, I meet the student on their own terms, using the music they love as the vehicle for their growth.
Beyond Music
My approach is specifically designed to maximize the therapeutic impact on the student.
- One-on-one, and tailored to the student’s individual circumstances.
- Typically one hour/week.
- Taught from my studio on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
- In person and on Zoom. Home visits can be arranged in special circumstances.
- For children aged 10 and upwards and with adults of all ages.
- All levels – beginners to advanced.
- Covering the full spectrum of developmental disabilities.
Michael and Angel
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Educator, Musicologist, and Performer
About Me
I am an internationally recognized educator, musicologist, and performer with a 35-year practice dedicated to reframing music education for people with disabilities.
I studied piano and composition at the Royal College of Music, London, where I was the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships. My career in the UK included serving as Head of Keyboards at Westminster School, London, maintaining a private teaching practice, 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). I served on the adjunct faculty at CUNY for five years, and spent fifteen years as Director of the Institute for Music Health, a center focused on music for well-being. An award-winning author of two acclaimed books on American vernacular music, Dr. Muir has performed at festivals across the US, Europe, and Australasia.
In 1990, my discovery of the work of John Diamond, M.D., a leading authority in using music for health, was a transformative experience. I trained extensively with Dr. Diamond, applying the principles to his own performing and teaching. From this association I developed my approach to music pedagogy focusing on using music to enhance the lives of those with developmental disabilities. The “Ability” approach has been featured in national media and peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
Testimonials
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—along with his ability to adapt his teaching methods and guide her through challenges—has been nothing short of remarkable. 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.