Written
Rehearsal order, set changes, call time, measure numbers, cue list, lyrics, chord chart, text/AAC response and post-rehearsal recap.
Communication desk
THE MUSIC DOES NOT REQUIRE ONE COMMUNICATION STYLE.
A musician may understand the arrangement perfectly and still need written instructions, AAC, a visual form map, demonstration, extra processing time or a nonverbal way to signal “stop.” ANCHOR should build communication into rehearsal instead of waiting for communication failure to become a behavior problem.
Common floor
Say it. Show it. Write it. Let the player confirm it.
Not every instruction needs four formats every time. The program needs enough redundancy that a player is not excluded because the only usable information disappeared into a fast verbal announcement.
Visual
Form maps, color/shape systems, count blocks, stage diagrams, timers, light cues, schedule strips and instrument-specific demonstrations.
Demonstration
Play the groove, show the sticking, model the breath, record the phrase or share a reference track instead of multiplying words.
AAC / non-speaking
Do not require speech for check-in, preference, correction response, break request, emergency communication or artistic decisions.
Spoken
Clear, concrete and musically specific. “Bar 42, second ending, softer release” is more useful than “you need to pay attention.”
Confirm
Let the musician acknowledge in the mode that works: nod, button, text, AAC, repeat-back, demo or simply playing the corrected passage.
Program boundary. Alternative communication is not evidence of lower musical understanding. Staff should correct the musical task rather than demanding eye contact, speech or a particular social performance unless that behavior is genuinely part of the musical task.
“Non-speaking” does not mean non-musical, non-opinionated or non-directing.