Special Needs, Community Music, and Adult Learning focuses on issues and topics that help to broaden conceptions of music and musical involvement, while recognizing that development occurs through many forms. By developing sound pedagogical approaches that are tailored to take account of all learners, it endeavors to move from making individual adaptations towards designing sensitive 'universal' solutions.

Part 1, Special Abilities, Special Needs, Part Editor: Adam Ockelford, Chapter 1. Commentary: Special Abilities, Special Needs, Adam Ockelford, Chapter 2. Mapping Musical Development in Learners with the Most Complex Needs: The Sounds of Intent Project, Adam Ockelford and Graham F. Welch, Chapter 3. Exceptional Musical Abilities: Musical Prodigies, Gary E. McPherson and Andreas C. Lehmann, Chapter 4. A Fresh Look at Music Therapy in Special Education, Katrina McFerran and Cochavit Elefant, Chapter 5. Inclusive Music Classrooms and Programs, Judith A. Jellison, Chapter 6. Preparing for the Future: Music Students with Special Education Needs in School and Community Life, Alice-Ann Darrow and Mary S. Adamek, Part 2, Music in the Community, Part Editor: David J. Elliott, Chapter 7. Commentary: Music in the Community, David J. Elliott, Chapter 8. The Community within Community Music, Lee Higgins, Chapter 9. Community Music and Social Capital, Patrick M. Jones and Thomas W. Langston, Chapter 10. Community Music Therapy, Kenneth S. Aigen, Chapter 11. Community Music and Social Justice: Reclaiming Love, Marissa Silverman, Chapter 12. Sonic Hospitality: Migration, Community, and Music, Helen Phelan, Chapter 13. At-Risk Youth: Music-Making as a Means to Promote Positive Relationships, Mary L. Cohen, Laya H. Silber, Andrea Sangiorgio, and Valentina Iadeluca, Chapter 14. Fast Forward: Emerging Trends in Community Music, Kari K. Veblen and Janice L. Waldron, Part 3, Adult Learning in a Lifespan Context, Part Editors: David E. Myers and Chelcy L. Bowles, Chapter 15. Commentary: Adult learning in a Lifespan Context, David E. Myers, Chapter 16. Elders and Music: Empowering Learning, Valuing Life Experience, and Considering the Needs of Aging Adult Learners, William M. Dabback and David S. Smith, Chapter 17. Adult Music Learning in Formal, Nonformal, and Informal Contexts, Kari K. Veblen, Chapter 18. Music Teacher Education: Crossing Generational Borders, Jody L. Kerchner and Carlos R. Abril, Chapter 19. The Role of Higher Education in Fostering Musically Engaged Adults, Chelcy L. Bowles and Janet L. Jensen, Chapter 20. Lifelong Learning for Professional Musicians, Rineke Smilde, Chapter 21. An International Perspective on Music Education for Adults, John Drummond