Sensory Friendly Concerts

Created by The Musical Autist in 2011

Upcoming Event!

Invitation to Perform at the Sensory-Friendly Showcase Concert
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School, Severn, MD

Dear Musical Autist,

We are thrilled to invite talented Musical Autists to apply to perform at a special Sensory-Friendly Showcase Concerton Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn, Maryland. This event is designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals to showcase their talents, including a wide range of instruments and abilities. Original compositions are encouraged but not required.

The theme for this year’s concert is Oceans of Exploration; the unlimited place where you find your creativity! Your song choice is wide open to create your message of empowerment and self-advocacy. We encourage our performers to embrace their unique style of music and performance as we seek to create an inspiring experience for our audience through the power of music. You are not limited to water themes!

We are looking for Musical Autists of all genres who are passionate about sharing their artistry in a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment. Whether you play classical, jazz, folk, contemporary music, or any other style, we would love to hear from you!

Performance Details:

· Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

· Time: 7:00 PM

· Location: Annapolis Area Christian School, Severn, MD

· Duration: Each performer will be allotted a 3-5 minute performance slot.

If you’re excited to contribute to this meaningful event and would like to apply, please contact us by March 16, 2025.

Applications should include:

· Your name

· Your instrument (or voice)

· Your desired performance piece (if you already know it)

For final consideration you will need to submit the following by April 13, 2025:

· Your finalized performance piece, including full name and composer name

· A sample of you performing the song (audio or video link)

· A description how your proposed performance piece relates to the theme of empowerment and self-advocacy in your life (a template will be provided)

For more details or to submit your application, please email us at themusicalautist@gmail.com. In the email subject line please write: “Showcase Application”.

We look forward to hearing your music and celebrating the joy of live performance in an environment where everyone can experience the power of sound and connection.

Sincerely,
The Showcase SFC Planning Committee

SFCs are inclusive performances of the fine arts and are an opportunity to celebrate Neurodiversity. These events are always open to the public, with accommodations provided for audience members on the autism spectrum or who have other neurological differences, and may be more sensitive to the environments.

Accommodations are provided by keeping volume levels low and lighting soft.

Noise-reduction headphones are available to use, as well as an adjacent “quiet room” with sensory manipulatives for audience members who need a break from the concert environment.

Additionally, PA (public address) systems are not used in Sensory Friendly Concerts.

Those 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 on stage and even lie underneath the grand piano, for optimal vibro-acoustic sensory input.

Credentialed music therapists and other trained volunteers help to facilitate these musical interactions so that family members and caregivers can relax and enjoy the performances.

Other provisions for promoting engagement with live music are foam blocks, for those who enjoy extra tactile symmetry to their listening experience, as well as scarves, for those who enjoy dancing or moving their bodies freely around the room.

Local jazz and classical performers are often featured as headlining performing artists.

Our performers are trained by a credentialed music therapist and encouraged to interact with audience members who may join them on stage during the performance.

Parents and caregivers are responsible for those whom they bring at all times, but our hope is that parents/caregivers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance, as well as to enjoy a social environment where their loved one and/or client can enjoy being in “autistic friendly space.”

Our concerts close with performances from featured autistic musicians, including members of our program, Musical Autist Troupe.

Our mottos are:

HAND FLAPPING ALLOWED!
EQUAL RIGHTS TO THE FINE ARTS!

Note: You may be photographed at our events, especially if you come to the front in close proximity to our musicians.