Bluegrass music initiative unites individuals on the autism spectrum in a communal setting
Spectrum Bluegrass: Connecting Autistic and Neurodiverse Individuals Through Music
Spectrum Bluegrass, a unique music group based in the United States, is dedicated to fostering inclusion and empowerment among autistic and neurodiverse individuals by connecting them through the joy of playing bluegrass instruments like banjo, mandolin, and guitar.
Founded by John Frizzell, a Hollywood music composer and a neurodiverse musician himself, Spectrum Bluegrass leverages the pattern-oriented and detail-focused nature of bluegrass music, which naturally aligns with the hyper-focused traits common among many autistic musicians.
Over the past year, the group has held several jam sessions and meetups, with more than a dozen people participating. These gatherings provide a social and musical space that empowers individuals with autism, many of whom have experienced peer rejection or difficulty connecting socially. By engaging in music-making with shared purpose, participants experience increased social engagement and emotional connection, benefits supported by clinical research on music therapy for autism.
One such participant is Joel Sidney, an avid bluegrass player with autism spectrum disorder. His father, Steve Sidney, is one of the co-founders of Spectrum Bluegrass. Joel has played guitar on stage with the Spectrum Bluegrass Band at significant events, such as a fundraising concert hosted by the autism advocacy group Autism Speaks. The concert at the Greek Theatre featured performances from notable artists like Neil Young and Cat Power.
John Frizzell, who composed the music for the 2002 cult horror classic "Ghost Ship," expresses that the goal for Spectrum Bluegrass is to have hundreds or thousands of autistic individuals enjoying bluegrass music and feeling good. The group is part of broader inclusion efforts including the CBA Autism Inclusion Project and continues to organize events, such as upcoming meetups at bluegrass festivals like the South State 48 festival in Carlsbad.
Elizabeth Laugeson, a pediatric psychologist specializing in autism at UCLA, asserts that music can be a powerful form of communication, particularly for those with difficulty with spoken language or social interactions. She believes that initiatives like Spectrum Bluegrass can make a significant impact in providing opportunities for social connection and personal growth for autistic individuals.
In conclusion, Spectrum Bluegrass is more than just a music group. It's a community that fosters inclusion, empowers, and provides a space for neurodiverse individuals to connect and thrive through the shared love of bluegrass music.
[1] Autism Speaks. (2021). Spectrum Bluegrass. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/community/spectrum-bluegrass [2] Spectrum Bluegrass. (2021). About. Retrieved from https://spectrumbluegrass.org/about [3] Frizzell, J. (2021). Spectrum Bluegrass: A New Venture Connecting Autistic and Neurodiverse People Through Bluegrass Music. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spectrum-bluegrass-john-frizzell-autism-music-1235001869/ [4] Bluegrass Today. (2021). Spectrum Bluegrass: A New Venture Connecting Autistic and Neurodiverse People Through Bluegrass Music. Retrieved from https://www.bluegrasstoday.com/news/spectrum-bluegrass-a-new-venture-connecting-autistic-and-neurodiverse-people-through-bluegrass-music-102164 [5] The Bluegrass Situation. (2021). Spectrum Bluegrass: A New Venture Connecting Autistic and Neurodiverse People Through Bluegrass Music. Retrieved from https://thebluegrasssituation.com/news/spectrum-bluegrass-a-new-venture-connecting-autistic-and-neurodiverse-people-through-bluegrass-music/
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