The present study explores the potential of individual piano lessons as a means of enhancing concentration and self-regulation in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The starting point is the significant challenges that children with ADHD face in maintaining attention, controlling impulses and regulating their behaviour, elements that affect their academic performance and social adjustment (Akoyunoglou & Vaiouli, 2021). In particular, it is argued that music, and in particular piano playing, can provide a unique context for the development of these skills  (Allen, 2013· Wing et al., 2014· Fytika, 2024). The research question sought to be answered is how one-to-one piano lessons can be structured and adapted to improve concentration and self-regulation in children with ADHD. In particular, it examines specific aspects of the lessons that contribute to the development of these skills and looks for ways to harness the potential of music to address the challenges faced by children with ADHD. Using a collaborative case study methodology, six students diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study. A specific teaching scenario was designed for seven individual piano lessons of 45 minutes duration each one. All lessons were recorded, multimodally transcribed and thematically analysed. Throughout the study there was constant collaboration with the parents and the students' occupational therapists. From the analysis of the data, it appeared that individual piano lessons, when approached in a specific way, can contribute significantly to enhancing concentration and self-regulation in children with ADHD. It also highlighted ways in which engaging with music, learning a musical instrument and interacting with the teacher can improve attention, impulse control and emotional regulation of students' behaviour. In conclusion, it seems individual piano lessons can be a valuable tool for supporting children with ADHD. Through the appropriate adaptation of the lesson, the use of music and the creation of a safe environment, it is possible to enhance concentration and self-regulation, and by extension to improve the academic performance, social adjustment and quality of life of the children (Mascha & Karadimas, 2012).

• Inclusion, marginalization, bullying and exclusion
• Music in special education

Nafsika-Maria Fronimou is holder of a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Pedagogy (graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma “Music Pedagogy in School and in the Community”) from the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University. She holds a degree in Music Sciences in the same subject with primary studies in Philosophy, Aesthetics and Semiology of Music and secondary studies in Piano Pedagogy in which, in addition to her university training, she has also studied at the conservatory. She is professionally involved in music teaching and piano teaching to preschool and primary school children and adults. For the last three years, as part of her postgraduate studies, she has systematically been involved in piano teaching to children with ADHD and associated learning difficulties. Her scientific interests also include the design and implementation of pedagogical interdisciplinary programs. Since 2021, she has been in charge of the educational programs of the Solomos Museum of Corfu (Society of Corfiot Studies). She has participated in workshops and conferences in Greece and is a member of the Hellenic Association for Music Education (H.E.M.E.) and the Hellenic Musicological Society (H.M.E.)

Mitsi Akoyunoglou is an Assistant Professor of Music Therapy and Inclusive Music Practices at Ionian University, Corfu. She completed her BA and MA in music therapy at MSU, USA, and a PhD and a PostDoc at Ionian University. For the period 2023-2026 she is the Regional Liaison for Europe at WFMT and the Country Representative of Greece to EMTC. She is a member of the scientific committee of Mousikopaidagogika, on the editorial board of Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, co-editor of the open access resource Music Therapy Dictionary: A Place of Interdisciplinary Encounters and co-president of the Organizing Committee of the 10th International Conference of GSME.