Celebrating Neurodiversity
The Musical Autist is a place where neurodiversity is celebrated and respected!
Our mission is to provide access to the arts and platforms for self advocacy for musicians of all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum. Our vision is to create places online and within the community where neurodivergent musicians and artists are celebrated and accepted, through venues where there is opportunity to work, perform, and build relationships. We’re a 501c3 nonprofit organization that started Sensory Friendly Concerts in 2011. Our other programs include Empowerment Jam Sessions and Musical Autist Troupe.
As Featured In …
TMA has been awarded the Maryland Nonprofits
"Basic Enhanced Certification"
(In Honor Of or In Memory Of donations accepted too)
We appreciate any and all generosity!
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The Musical Autist greatly appreciates donations in your friend’s and family’s memory
In Memory of Marlene Pappacena:
- Crofton Jazzercise Early Birds ($450.00) donated on 1/17/26
- Carolyn Palanca ($75.00) donated on 1/17/26
- Aaron Pinnick ($100.00) donated on 1/13/26
- Ted and Joan Pappacena ($200.00) donated on 1/10/26
- Kevin Burke ($250.00) donated 1/10/26
- Toni McKay ($100.00) donated 1/10/26
- Erin Singleton ($50.00) donated 1/9/26
- Jim D’Andrea ($110.00) donated 1/7/26
- Phyliss Engel ($150.00) donated 1/7/26
- Tami Engel ($300.00) donated 1/6/26
- Cory Hall ($50.00) donated 1/3/26
- Michelle Dolezal Benulis ($51.81) donated 1/2/26
- Tom Murdoch ($50.00) donated 12/31/25
- Sue Goltermann ($204.56) donated on 12/31/25
Our Music Explorers program is changing its name. May I introduce you to The Musical Autist’s Creators Guild. Creators Guild focuses on the compositional aspect of music-making. The program will teach the foundations of musical structure and arrangement in composition. Participants may choose to create original pieces on sheet music or through digital-music software (such as GarageBand or LogicPro). All original compositions will be recorded and group members will be invited to showcase their pre-recorded musical creations at a culminating end of semester concert. Creators Guild is designed for ages 14 and older. The program’s facilitator, who is board-certified music therapist, guides the group’s activities. No prior musical experience is necessary — just a measure of curiosity and enthusiasm. Creators Guild meets on Wednesdays at 5:45pm-6:30pm in Odenton, MD. It’s not too late to register for this semester. There are still 12 weeks left and the registration fee will be pro-rated to $250. Please contact us at TheMusicalAutist@gmail.com if you are interested in registering.
Grab your spot in our Music Explorers program which begins Wednesday, January 21st at 5:45pm. The Music Explorers Program by The Musical Autist celebrates neurodiversity by allowing its participants to explore music in whatever manner is most meaningful to them personally. Examples of music exploration might include digital music making, original song writing, intentional listening to musical genres, music theory, singing, or instrument skills with a facilitator present. Participants are given the option to share their musical creations at a public concert at the end of the semester. No prior musical experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and watch your musical enthusiasm flourish. Music Explorers is for ages 8 and up. If you have questions, contact us at TheMusicalAutist@gmail.com
There are still a few spots left for the 2026 Winter/Spring semester of Musical Autist Troupe. First session begins Wednesday, January 21st at 4pm. Musical Autist Troupe is an inclusive group of individuals with and without disabilities who rehearse and perform music together in community settings. The program centers on group rather than solo performances. Many of Troupe’s performance songs emphasize acceptance and empowerment. The program also seeks to foster meaningful friendships and to create a neurodivergent community. Troupe is for ages 16 and older. Register ASAP to guarantee your spot before space fills up. If you have any questions, email us at TheMusicalAutist@gmail.com