Introduction
In this episode, I talk with Beth Pickard, music therapist and lecturer at the University of South Wales; Alex Lupo, autistic musician, community musician and music therapist, and creative lead and trainer at Live Music Now; and Karen Irwin, Strategic Director for Children and Young People at Live Music Now about a new guide to support music-making with autistic pupils in autism resource bases within mainstream schools.
You can listen now below, or on all the main podcast apps (search for Music for Education & Wellbeing).
Listen to the podcast
What’s in this episode?
We talk about:
- what an autism resource base is, and the social justice gap in music provision that first prompted this research
- how the team learned from over 100 survey responses, focus groups, and two 10-week residencies in Welsh and Northern Irish primary schools
- the power of a strength-based approach, and unforgettable moments – from a pupil’s fascination with fire alarms to a family whose day-today life is made easier by their child learning to take turns
- the eight core values underpinning the work, from safety and acceptance through to being people-led and playful
- ‘the Arc’ – a four-part session or whole programme structure of safety, connection, exploration, and ending well
- Live Music Now’s plans for a new training offer, now available, to helps music hubs and services to consider, and deliver for, Autism Resource Bases
Links for this episode
- Music with autistic pupils in Autism Resource Bases section on the Live Music Now website – including the guide, a film, and briefings for headteachers and policymakers www.livemusicnow.org.uk/autism-resource-bases-music-programme/
- Training for school staff, music service/hub staff, and musicians www.livemusicnow.org.uk/musical-connections-for-inclusion-bases/
- Beth Pickard’s website www.bethpickard.co.uk/
- Alex Lupo’s website www.alexlupomusic.com/
- Sounds of Intent https://soundsofintent.org/en/home/index
- Transcript: Music in autism resource bases with Live Music Now & University of South Wales
More information, help and resources
- Visit Music Education Works to read and search for research evidence of the impact of music education.
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About the music for education & wellbeing podcast
Listen in each month to get ideas, inspiration and practical advice from people involved in music education, community music, music therapy and more. Learn how you might break down barriers to music, through communications, advocacy and inclusive practice.
The music for the podcast was created by Otis Hynds, a young person working with Noise Solution.
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