Musical Connections: Nurturing Musical Cultures in Autism Resource Bases Across the UK through Participatory Action Research.
Non-academic partner: Live Music Now
Academic host institution: University of South Wales
This project will enhance access to inclusive, creative, and child-centred music education for autistic children and young people across the UK, by evaluating existing research, mapping current practices and gathering insights from diverse stakeholders, including autistic people, to understand their priorities and aspirations.
Summary
Project Context
This collaboration between Live Music Now (LMN) and the University of South Wales aims to increase access to music education within Autism Resource Bases (ARB) across the UK. We believe that every child and young person deserves high-quality music education. Music has potential to significantly enhance social, emotional and academic outcomes. As the number of ARB within mainstream schools grows rapidly (StatsWales.gov.wales, this focus becomes increasingly timely and important.
Music plays a vital role in all children’s development, but research indicates that it plays a crucial role for autistic children, since approximately 1 in 20 autistic children demonstrate exceptional musical potential alongside other developmental challenges. Our approach aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, viewing autism as a natural neurological difference, not a medical problem. The project’s strength-based approach values autistic people’s collaboration throughout. This ensures that the research is relevant to autistic people’s lives. The Social Model of Disability underpins the project, emphasising that environmental, contextual, and societal factors can present more significant barriers than individual differences.
The Challenge the Project Addresses
Initial pilot work delivered by LMN involved 340 pupils across 22 ARBs in England and Northern Ireland. Internal evaluation by LMN showed significant gaps in ARB music provision, and a notable lack of staff confidence and skills in delivering music. These findings highlight the need for further research.
Drawing on Dr Beth Pickard’s expertise in critical disability studies, the project will deepen understanding of existing barriers to music within ARBs. Specifically, it will examine whether these barriers are because of systemic issues, attitudinal factors, or limited resources and training. By centering autistic people’s perspectives, we will develop and implement adaptable music provision that directly responds to identified challenges.
Aims and Objectives
Our overarching goal is to enhance access to inclusive, creative, and child-centred music education for autistic children and young people across the UK. The project is structured around four interconnected research phases. First, we will critically evaluate existing research on music education within ARBs and map current practices. Next, we will gather insights from diverse stakeholders, including autistic people, to understand their priorities and aspirations.
Building upon these insights, we will design and deliver two Musician in Residence projects within ARBs in Wales and Northern Ireland. These projects will explore practical strategies for integrating music effectively and inclusively into daily experiences of autistic pupils.
We will launch a continuum of accessible resources, generated through the research, at an event with LMN (Scotland). Resources will identify current opportunities, promote nurturing and flexible approaches, and align with existing music education policies. We will co-create a documentary film with autistic children and young people to highlight their personal experiences and reflections about music, amplifying their perspectives.
Applications, Benefits
Improving access to music education holds considerable promise for enhancing autistic children's social, emotional and academic outcomes. This has potential to enhance their overall wellbeing and quality of life. The project will generate new knowledge to inform policy and practice, fostering sustainable improvements in accessibility of music education within ARB nationwide.
Image: Music leader Alex Lupo and Somerset Music brass teacher Claire Whitworth led an 8-week project with children in the autism resource base at Holway Park primary school, Somerset. Project funded by Youth Music, for Live Music Now South West. Photography permissions confirmed by school.
