MusiConnex teaches and assists children and adults with challenges such as autism, cerebral palsy, blindness and deafness. Dr Ross has taken several seminars to assist in this work and has successfully applied his skills for SIDES (South Island Distance Education School) in Saanich, Victoria, where he worked for a number of years. Additionally, he conducts therapeutic and interactive music sessions for adults in group homes who are developmentally delayed through Beconnected Support Services. Dr Ross has also been under the contract for the Ministry of Family and Child Development for three young students with autism and currently his latest autistic student is making great strides playing the accordion and composing music. Music has been greatly therapeutic to help aid Dr Ross’s students’ and adults’ mobility issues, cognitive functions and social interaction skills.
Dr Ross is also fond of students who wish to study the piano accordion. A high degree of discipline is expected to master the keyboard and bass along with controlling the bellows. Students also must master reading music which is easily done due to Dr Ross’s extensive experience in teaching music theory. Students also gain valuable performance skills due to Dr Ross’s playing experience. He conducts performance opportunities for everyone to play for one another with highly engaging accordion get-togethers a couple times of years.