Brian J. Wagner-Yeung is the Neurodiversity and Accessibility Chairperson for New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). He received his BA and MSED in Music Education from CUNY Queens College, and an advanced certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from CUNY Brooklyn College. He is a classically trained cellist, and has performed within the New York City community. He currently teaches for the NYC Department of Education, and is an adjunct faculty member at CUNY Brooklyn College. He has taught students in K-12 and collegiate settings - where he has taught general music, adaptive string orchestra, and musical theatre.
He has presented workshops and published articles at the state, national, and international levels. His professional work focuses on neurodiversity and accessibility in musical environments, developing lifelong learning through music-making for all students, and adapting the string orchestra experience for all. Mr. Wagner-Yeung passionately believes in collaborating with in-service and future music educators, and providing them with practical strategies to create accessible music classrooms for all.
Professional Experience
NYC Department of Education / Music Teacher
September 2009 - Present, Brooklyn, NY​
CUNY Brooklyn College / Adjunct Faculty
August 2021 - Present, Brooklyn, NY​
Music Education Consultant / Consultant
September 2014 - Present​
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Education
CUNY Queens College / BA in Music Education
May 2009, Queens NY
CUNY Queens College / MSED in Music Education
February 2013, Queens NY
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CUNY Brooklyn College /Advanced Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
July 2020, Brooklyn NY
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Professional Affiliations
NAfME / Active Member
Member of Children with Exceptionalities Special Research Interest Group
NYSSMA / Chair, Neurodiversity and Accessibility
March 2020 - Present
MEANYC / Active Member
Membership & Workshop Chair, Editor of Presto! (2015 - 2019)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) / Active Member
Member of DARTS (Division of Visual and Performing Arts Education)
VSA at The Kennedy Center / Active Member
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American String Teachers' Association (NY Chapter) / Active Member
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Professional Contributions
Behavioral Strategies: Approaches and Techniques for All Students in Musical Environments
Engaging All Learners: Tools & Techniques to Reach Different Types of Learners in the Music Classroom
Inclusive Music Teaching: Exceeding the Standards
Inclusive Music Teaching: Literacy, Composition, and Improvisation in the K-5 Classroom
Making Connections: Using Repertoire to Enhance the Social-Emotional Needs of All Students
Music for All: Developing Music Instruction for Students with Higher Support Needs
Neurodiversity in the Music Classroom: Using Strengths of All Students in Various Learning Environments
Orchestra for All: Adapting the String Program for a Diverse Range of Learners
Teaching Lessons to Children with Special Needs
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Using Music to Facilitate Language, Communication, & Social Skills
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Publications
Wagner, B. (2015). Engaging All Learners: Tools and Techniques to Reach Different Types of Learners in the Music Classroom. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner, B. (2016). Making Connections for Special Learners: Using Repertoire to Enhance Lifelong Learning. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
Wagner, B. (2016). Using Repertoire to Enhance Lifelong Learning. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner, B. (2017). Using a Differentiated Rhythmic and Melodic Notation System for Special Learners in All Musical Settings. Tempo. Lakewood, NJ: New Jersey Music Educators Association.
Wagner, B. (2017). Engaging All Types of Learners in the Music Classroom. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2018). Teaching Lessons to a Diverse Range of Learners. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2018). Behavioral Supports for Students with Special Needs in Musical Environments. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2019). Related Service Providers in the Music Classroom. DARTS Newsletter. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
Wagner-Yeung, B. (2020). Distance Learning for Special Learners in the Music Classroom. Music in a Minuet. Reston, VA: National Association for Music Education.
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Wagner-Yeung, B. (2020). Let’s Make Music! Engaging Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the K-8 General Music Classroom. Coralville, IA: Music ConstructED.
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Wagner-Yeung, B. (2021). Neurodiversity in the Music Classroom: Using the Strengths of All Students During In-Person and Remote Learning. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
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Wagner-Yeung, B. (2022). Inclusive Strategies for Students with ASD in the Music Room. Coralville, IA: Music ConstructED.
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Wagner-Yeung, B. (2023). What's in a Label? An Inclusive Person-First & Strength-Based Approach. School Music News. Westbury, NY: New York State School Music Association.
