Exploring Neurodiversity Through Music
Our volunteer and editorial board member Eman El Abdi shares a report of our recent Family Connect outing to a special performance by the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, where we had the opportunity to explore neurodiversity through music and see the impact on young people.
“Music, uniquely among the arts, is both completely abstract and profoundly emotional.” Oliver Sacks
On a sunlit Friday afternoon atop Bold Tendencies rooftop, our Family Hub set out for what we thought would be a simple outing. Little did we know, it would turn into a heart-warming experience filled with culture and emotion. Courtesy of our friends at Bold Tendencies, we had the chance to attend a Backstage Pass session by the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, an event that showcased the incredible power of music to bridge communication gaps, especially for neurodiverse individuals.
Our experience began in a cinematic fashion. A man dressed in black greeted us and guided us to the lifts. As we ascended to the top floor of an 80s multi-storey car park, our excitement grew. Stepping out, we were greeted by breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Venturing downstairs
The real magic awaited us one level below. Tucked within the concrete expanse was the Straw Auditorium, an unexpected oasis. The scene was set with the soulful sounds of a cello played by a lady at the entrance, drawing us into this enchanting space. Designed by Practice Architecture, the auditorium's rustic charm was crafted from straw and sustainable materials, with intricately woven walls that seamlessly blended nature and craftsmanship. Inside, the cool, earthy air carried the scent of natural materials. Sunlight filtered through small openings, casting dappled patterns on the concrete floor, inviting us to pause and soak in the serene beauty of this sustainable sanctuary above bustling Rye Lane.
As the young musicians readied themselves, they formed a perfect semicircle. In this harmonious arrangement, they seemed to embody the very essence of Mediterranean unity. Sitting on rustic wooden stalls, we eagerly awaited the start of the show: the air buzzed with anticipation and a touch of nervous excitement. Thoughtfully provided ear defenders and sensory fabrics ensured that even the most anxious among us could enjoy the performance in comfort. The musicians, their faces alight with a mix of determination and joy, were about to prove that music truly is a universal language.
A musical 'embrace'
The concert began with a gentle, inviting piece that wrapped the audience in a warm, auditory embrace. The delicate strings of the harp and the flute's soft whispers painted vivid images of the Mediterranean Sea, with shimmering notes that highlighted music’s ability to be both abstract and deeply emotional. Watching my preverbal son’s face as he listened to the orchestra was like witnessing a personal revelation; his serene expression suggested the music had touched a chord deep within him.
The rich tones of the saxophone added a delicious layer of depth, seamlessly blending warmth with a hint of melancholy. Its smooth, expressive notes evoked a spectrum of emotions, from the lazy swells of a sunset to sharp, poignant introspection, underscoring music's unique power to convey complex feelings.
A captivating moment unfolded when a young Bedouin-looking woman graced the stage to sing in Arabic. Her voice, a mesmerising blend of vulnerability and passion, wove an intimate bond with the audience. Her eyes, framed by dark, thick lashes, radiated an allure and profound depth. With just a glance, they communicated a rich blend of emotions—warmth, mystery, strength, and grace. The kohl lining her lids accentuated her natural beauty, amplifying her captivating and soulful Arabian aura. Her emotive delivery transformed familiar melodies into deeply personal narratives, showcasing her voice as a powerful and evocative form of self-expression. As the performance progressed, the tempo quickened, and emotions ran high. The music pulsed with vitality, expressing joy, longing, nostalgia, and hope without uttering a single word.
Feelings beyond words
A standout moment was when Ethan, a member of our group, stepped into the spotlight as conductor. His leadership was a triumphant display of self-expression, breaking barriers and illustrating how music can articulate feelings beyond words. This performance reminded us of music's extraordinary ability to enrich the lives of neurodiverse individuals, offering a platform for expression that transcends conventional communication.
One piece, in particular, evoked a wave of nostalgia that swept me back to my own Mediterranean roots, demonstrating music’s universal connections. Reflecting on the ebb and flow theory in music, I noticed how shifts in structure, rhythm, harmony, and melody created dynamic changes that evoked varying emotional states. The tension and release within the music guided me through a complex emotional landscape, showing how music can help us navigate our feelings.
Discovering the instruments
After the performance, our young people were given the chance to go up to the musicians and discover the instruments. We learned about instruments we had never seen before, such as the Swedish nyckelharpa. We were able to touch the instruments to experience their vibrations, and discuss them with the musicians. In conversation, we discovered that in some Mediterranean cultures, the performers play by ear without knowing how to read music, which challenged our way of thinking about how orchestral music relates to the score.
More than just an outing
Our visit to see the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra was more than just a cultural outing; it was a lively testament to music’s power as a universal language. For neurodiverse individuals and all of us, it was a joyful reminder of how music can connect, communicate, and inspire us all.
So, the next time you're facing the seemingly endless cycle of washing and scrubbing during these long summer weeks, remember this: music could be your secret weapon. Put on your favourite playlist, and let the upbeat rhythms transform your home into a dance floor. Suddenly, your mop becomes a dance partner, and your toddler joins in as the star of the show. With music, the mundane becomes magical, and tidying up turns into your very own musical theatre.
How does music influence your emotions and daily activities?
For anyone interested in the profound impact of music, I highly recommend Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain." It delves into the intricate relationship between music and the brain, offering a captivating exploration of how music influences and enriches our lives. Click here to buy (affiliate link)
Our next Family Connect outing will be a visit to the Imperial War Museum on Sunday 8th September. Book here: https://eequ.org/experience/10481
Bold Tendencies is a not-for-profit arts organisation, established in the rooftop spaces of Peckham’s Multi-Storey Car Park. Open each year from May - September, it delivers an ambitious annual programme of experimental Visual Arts, Creative Learning and Live Events open to the public, offering access, participation and enjoyment of the arts for everyone.
Creative Learning is a dynamic programme of free and accessible initiatives that foster space for local groups, families and individuals to imagine, create, appreciate the arts, and exercise the right to joy.