Sheila Scott

Sheila Scott is a Professor of Music Education at Brandon University, specializing in elementary music education and music education for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has been affiliated with the university since 2000, serving as co-chair of the Joint Department of Music Education. Her academic journey includes a B.Mus. from the University of Saskatchewan (1984–1985), an M.Mus. in School Music from the University of Calgary (1991), and a Ph.D. in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta (1997). Dr. Scott’s research focuses on leveraging music education to address challenges faced by children with ASD, including anxiety mitigation and social integration through musical activities. She has published extensively on constructivist pedagogy and music education methodologies, culminating in her 2017 book Music Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Resource for Teachers (Oxford University Press). Her work has been featured at professional conferences, including a keynote address at the 2018 ABLE Assembly at Berklee College of Music.

Dr. Scott’s teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in elementary music education, assessment strategies, and music education for exceptional learners. She emphasizes hands-on learning, integrating vocal activities, movement, and instrument exploration into her pedagogy. Her research highlights music’s role in fostering social interaction, self-awareness, and psychomotor skills among children with ASD. She has contributed to journals such as Music Educators Journal, General Music Today, and Arts Education Policy Review.

Her professional engagements include collaborations with in-service educators and presentations at educational conferences. Despite no formal awards listed, her impactful contributions to special needs music education are widely recognized in academic circles. Dr. Scott’s work extends beyond teaching and research to include practical resources for educators, reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice in music education.