“Sensory-Friendly Concerts are free, live music settings which promote appreciation of the fine arts, while including those with disabilities who may not be able to sit still in a socially traditional concert venue. While Sensory-Friendly Concerts are for people of any age and ability level, special focus is given to those on the autism spectrum, who may be more sensitive to their environments. It shall be clearly stated that Sensory-Friendly Concerts are NOT music therapy.”
Accommodations are provided by keeping volume levels low and lighting soft. Noise-reduction headphones have been donated by our local chapter of Autism Society of America, as well as an adjacent “quiet room” with sensory manipulatives. Audience members with hypo-sensitivity to sound are encouraged to come up on stage during the performance, where the volume is louder. Additionally, they are welcome to sit around the musicians and even lie underneath the grand piano, for optimal vibro-acoustic sensory input. Other provisions for promoting engagement with live music are foam blocks and scarves, for those who need extra tactile stimulation to their listening experience.
Local jazz and classical performers are trained by Ms.CJ Shiloh to be “Autism-Friendly Artists,” and encouraged to interact with audience members who may be on stage with them during the performance. Local special education teachers volunteer to help keep children engaged during the performance, so that parents and caregivers are able to sit back and enjoy the recital.
Since Sensory-Friendly Concerts are a new and novel innovation, surveys are included in every concert program so that audience members can answer a few short questions and give feedback. Data is then tabulated from the surveys, which helps to shape and define future Sensory-Friendly Concerts.
At the beginning of every concert “Resident Musical Autists” open the show. These Musial Autists range from young children with emerging musical gifts, to a blind, autistic composer and classical pianist in her mid 20′s. This is an ideal setting for self-advocacy and a showcase of talent from those on the autism spectrum.
Our motto is: EQUAL RIGHTS TO THE FINE ARTS!
Consider this…have you ever been to a classical or jazz concert where the social norm is to sit perfectly silent (even with a tickle in your throat!) and to know when (and when not) to clap? Oh the torture!
If you are a credentialed music therapist, and you are interested in facilitating your own Sensory-Friendly Concert, please direct all inquiries to: themusicalautist@gmail.com. Thanks!
Featured Sponsor:
Sensory-Friendly Concerts are generously sponsored by Creating Communities.
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