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"
Follow Us on Facebook!
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Empowerment Jam Session schedule has been set. Jams will take place on the following dates. Saturday, March 29th Saturday, May 3rd Saturday,July 12th September 13th Saturday, November 1st All Jams are FREE and begin at 6pm. They will be held at Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating (CRAB), 7040 Bembe Beach Rd in Annapolis.
Only one more week until the Winter/Spring 2025 semesters of Musical Autist Troupe and Music Explorers begins! It’s not too late to register and join in on the fun. Use the QR Code in the picture below 👇 or click on this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLLZbCB7DVtxoZ2kjkxFCahMKAwERf5FH6QaLXRhPRq0o5mw/viewform
Have you heard that there is a new music program coming to town called Music Explorers? What is it? The Music Explorers Program 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. The program’s facilitator will guide the semester’s activities based on the group’s interests. Participants will be invited to share their musical creations at a public concert at the end of the semester. However, there is never any pressure for participants to perform publicly if they are not interested. All ages are welcome to participate in this program. No prior musical experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and watch your musical enthusiasm flourish. Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLLZbCB7DVtxoZ2kjkxFCahMKAwERf5FH6QaLXRhPRq0o5mw/viewform When: 1/28/25 - 5/20/25 Sessions run from 5:30pm-6:30pm Where: Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn (Upper School) Cost: $330 for the semester Questions contact TheMusicalAutist@gmail.com
Registration for our Musical Autist Troupe Program is now open? What is Troupe? Musical Autist Troupe is an inclusive group of individuals with and without disabilities. Time is spent together in “intentional listening” to songs shared by each participant. Song shares can be either recorded music or performed live. Participants also select songs to rehearse and perform together in community settings. The program centers on group rather than solo performances. Many of Troupe’s performance songs emphasize acceptance and empowerment, and the group may even change the lyrics to songs to reflect this purpose. The program also seeks to foster meaningful friendships and to create a neurodivergent community. You can register using this link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLLZbCB7DVtxoZ2kjkxFCahMKAwERf5FH6QaLXRhPRq0o5mw/viewform WHEN: 1/28/25 - 5/20/25 Sessions run from 4:00pm-5:15pm WHERE: Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn (Upper School) WHO: Ages 16 and up COST: $330 for the semester
We have some exciting news! The Musical Autist has a NEW program! Music Explorers begins on Tuesday, January 28th, and we know you aren’t going to want to miss it. The Music Explorers Program 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. The program’s facilitator will guide the semester’s activities based on the group’s interests. Participants will be invited to share their musical creations at a public concert at the end of the semester. However, there is never any pressure for participants to perform publicly if they are not interested. All ages are welcome to participate in this program. No prior musical experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and watch your musical enthusiasm flourish. Music Explorers will meet at Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn from 1/28/25-5/20/25 from 5:30pm-6:30pm. The registration fee for the semester is $330. You can use the link below to register. If you have questions, contact us at TheMusicalAutist@gmail.com Please feel free to to share this information with other groups that may be interested. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLLZbCB7DVtxoZ2kjkxFCahMKAwERf5FH6QaLXRhPRq0o5mw/viewform
Saturday’s Empowerment Jam Session was “so good, so good”! If you missed our last Jam, mark your calendar because our next one will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 6pm at Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating (CRAB). Visual Description: Jam leader, Sunny, is sitting in front of her keyboard playing the Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline.” She is wearing jeans and a black sweater. Anissa is seated to Sunny’s right. She is wearing a pink sweatshirt and playing a guitar. The Jam Session participants are sitting in a circle. The camera shot shows participants who are playing rhythm instruments.