Expression, communication, and creativity through music

Inclusive and individually adaptive music lessons for all.

Why Different Strings?

Different Strings is a music education program that provides an inclusive and highly personalized approach to teaching children & adults looking to begin- or continue deepening their connection to music. Our primary objective is to foster a sense of curiosity and exploration in a nurturing environment, where individuals of all ability levels, including those with disabilities such as autism and ADHD, can actively engage with the world of music.

We firmly believe that creativity, expression, and communication are fundamental facets of human experience and self-expression. Through tailored instruction and support, we empower each individual to embrace their unique talents and goals, celebrating their individual interests and fostering personal growth. Our sessions go beyond musical development, making positive impacts in a broad range of aspects of our students' lives. By encouraging self-expression, nurturing creativity, and promoting open, clear, and effective communication, we aim to provide a transformative music education experience that enhances personal growth and lifelong appreciation for music.

What is different strings?

Meet James ‘Jimmy’ VanCleaf, passionate founder of Different Strings

With almost 5 years of experience teaching music to autistic children beginning in Las Vegas, Nevada, James, or Jimmy, has fine-tuned a unique approach that emphasizes creativity and responsiveness to individual student needs. Primarily a guitar and bass player, he is also experienced in piano and drums and maintains a rigorous practice routine daily while continuously learning about all things musical, bringing a deep well of musical knowledge to his lessons.

Jimmy's own journey with music has not been without challenges. Living with ADHD, he grappled early on with traditional music education. His yearning to engage with music was often stifled by the static nature of conventional music lessons — hour-long sessions that required stillness and passive acceptance of feedback that was often less than tactful. The joy of experimenting and expressing creativity through his instrument was seldom nurtured. This experience ignited a resolve in him to reimagine the teaching process. At Different Strings, Jimmy ensures that no student - whether they live with ADHD, ASD, or otherwise - ever has to sacrifice their innate curiosity and creativity in the pursuit of musical skill.

Embracing Innovation

Modern Tools for Engaging and Personalized Music Education

A core part of the Different Strings method includes the use of modern tools such as Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software like Logic Pro X and GarageBand, keeping students engaged and fueling their creative process. Students often take the first steps of their lifelong musical journeys by being shown the necessary fundamentals, then future lessons are molded based on the student's progress and response.

Nurturing Values:

Cultivating Self-Compassion, Communication, and Curiosity

Another cornerstone of Different Strings' unique approach is a strong emphasis on communication, self-compassion, and curiosity during each lesson.

These values are vital in navigating the complex journey of a musician, a path that can sometimes become shadowed by challenges such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, burnout, unrealistic practice expectations, and unhealthy competition. These burdens can tarnish what should be a joyful exploration of music. Unfortunately, many young musicians inevitably struggle with mental health without proper support.

Having firsthand experience with the dark side of life as musician, James is dedicated to ensuring no student under his watch suffers unnecessarily under the often unseen overwhelming pressures imposed on musicians at all different stages of their musical journey.

With Different Strings, playing an instrument is not just a skill to be mastered, but a source of self-discovery, resilience, and lasting joy.

Beyond Technique:

Fostering Human Connection and Resilience Through Music

James credits his years of experience working with autistic children for shifting his teaching philosophy from a primarily skill-based approach to a more humanistic one that nurtures a naturalistic understanding of music. Based on the lasting connections with his former students who still reach out to him despite living over 2000 miles away, it's clear James's approach is more than teaching music; it's about impacting lives and building confidence and resilience in his students.

Where is Different Strings?

wherever you already are!

Fully remote & limited in-person sessions

Remote sessions offer the same high-quality instruction, personalized feedback, and real-time interaction as you would in-person, but with more flexible scheduling and a higher likelihood of securing an available slot during your desired timeframe.

For those who prefer the traditional in-person experience or would prefer more hands-on support, there is the option of having in-person lessons in your home. In-person lessons are currently available if you live in select New Castle County towns (such as Newark, Pike Creek, Hockessin, Newport, Bear) and bordering towns in PA/MD (Avondale, Landenberg). Generally speaking, outside of a 6 mile radius from Pike Creek, DE, remote sessions are offered before considering the possibility of in-person sessions.

Those who live elsewhere nearby are still welcomed to & encouraged to reach out!