A Conversation with Adam Chitta!

The Listening Brain

Adam Chitta is a music educator in San Antonio, Texas, who has been wearing behind-the-ear hearing aids following the diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at age 7. For the past twelve years, he has been teaching band and orchestra in the North East Independent School District. In this podcast interview, Adam shares his experiences of growing up with hearing loss and his journey through music in learning how to play musical instruments alongside his “hearing” twin brother, Stephen.

Since completing his master’s degree in music education from Texas State University in May 2021, Adam has been on a journey to promote advocacy and raise awareness of how to best teach and reach DHH students in the music classrooms. His past professional presentations include the Cambridge University Press Accessibility Champions Virtual Talk, ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers) Virtual University Press Redux Conference, Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic/Conference, and the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/ Convention. Adam actively seeks out newer techniques that can be utilized in the current music classrooms, of which include being a Teacher Affiliate for Soundbrenner Metronome products.

Alongside being a music educator, Adam has a strong background in the marching arts. This includes his five years of being a brass performer for the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, and a visual instructor for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps, Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, and Guardians Drum & Bugle Corps. He also worked with winter guard and indoor percussion in the Houston area as a visual instructor, drill designer, administrative assistant, and director.

Adam serves as a role model and mentor to children and parents who may be facing challenges with their child wanting to succeed in their growth with music education. Anyone, including teachers, who would like to contact Adam for more tips, tools, or strategies for DHH students can reach him at [e-mail] and can join his Facebook group, “Music is for ALL in our Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community.” Qualifying for the deaf tuition waiver through the Texas Health and Human Services has helped Adam and his family with financial assistance through his higher education journey and he strongly recommends all DHH students in Texas to look into this program.

You can listen to this episode wherever you stream podcasts and at www.3cdigitalmedianetwork.com/the-listening-brain-podcast