‘Before joining National Orchestra for All, I felt helpless – but now I’ve grown in confidence and independence,’ says autistic double bass player, Noah

‘It’s all about the music.’

In 2017, autistic musician, Noah, joined National Orchestra for All (NOFA) after struggling to access inclusive music-making opportunities.

Fast forward to 2023 and the 19-year-old double bass player is now an ambassador for the inspiring ensemble, which celebrates all young musicians regardless of their differences or personal circumstances.

We caught up with Noah and his mum, Su, to learn more…

How has NOFA impacted your life?

Noah: “Before I joined NOFA, it wasn’t a great time. I had difficult personal circumstances and wasn’t in school because of bullying and unmet support needs for my autism. I was lonely and had no-one to talk to. My future was very uncertain and I felt helpless.

“Then I met Ed and Charlotte (fellow double bass players) through NOFA who gave me more confidence in my bass playing. Ed encouraged me to do grades and I’m now working on Grade Six! I found other people I could talk to and share my love of music with. It really helped seeing different campus life, accommodation and more, and I am now planning to go to uni.

“My first concert in Leeds Arena was great. I got to play music and be part of a bigger thing. Going to Leeds was my first experience of being away from home – I have enjoyed going to different places. It has really helped my bass playing, I’ve grown in confidence and independence and I learnt to deal with challenges.”

Su: “The two-hour round trip to Leeds every week was a commitment but it really developed Noah’s confidence travelling on the train – a key life skill that didn’t come naturally to him. Throughout his time with NOFA, Noah has practised many vital skills in a safe and supportive environment outside of his special school. I can’t stress enough how much this helped his development and wellbeing.”

Read more: BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All >

Pictured: Noah (top right) plays double bass at National Orchestra for All’s summer concert in 2022.

What made you choose NOFA over another orchestra or music group? 

Noah: “I didn’t feel able to access anything else. I like having a week-long programme, spending so much time practising music and getting better. I felt included at NOFA – it doesn’t matter where you are from or what you are like, it’s all about the music rather than where you live or go to school.”

Su: “As a parent I have watched Noah struggle and hover on the edge of groups, never really being able to join in. He was adamant that he needed me to come with him to his first NOFA course. Here I was able to see him relax and join in and gradually, I was able to take a step back knowing he was in safe hands and supported by such a fantastic team. 

“As Noah gained in confidence to attend more independently, we were given the gift of respite care; something that used to be provided by local authorities but is almost non-existent now. For all the families of disabled members, NOFA provides a much-needed and appreciated service by default!

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Any standout moments from NOFA 2021-2022?

Noah: “I enjoyed playing a solo; I did not have the confidence to do this when I started! And playing the music – my favourite pieces were Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and Romanian folk song, ‘Spoitoresa’.”

Su: “The whole course was just one brilliant thing after another; I saw Noah talking to other musicians and interacting. On the first evening, Noah also ventured into the common room by himself and then put himself to bed – this may seem trivial but these were major achievements. He had become so withdrawn and struggled so much, so NOFA has given him much more than the chance to perform wonderful music.

“NOFA’s recital evening also blew me away and seeing Noah perform made me cry! I couldn’t see how things could get any better but they did. I didn’t realise that Leeds Arena really is a vast arena. I just couldn’t believe what I saw and experienced. Thank you so, so much – OFA really has changed Noah’s life and our family are extremely grateful for everything.”

Did you learn anything in particular during your NOFA experience that will help you in future? 

Noah: “Confidence. Now I feel able to try new things and talk to people, like I did when I joined the Youth Board. Independence. When I first started, I needed my mum to come with me but now feel confident going away with NOFA on my own and being able to talk to people about music as well as other things including being able to ask for help. Finally, I’ve also improved my musical knowledge and understanding and would have the confidence to join another music group or orchestra as an adult!”

Read Orchestras for All’s latest impact report >

Su: “Noah also joined in with icebreakers, spoke in front of everyone at the teatime sessions and even played a solo. Noah has made huge progress socially, emotionally and musically. Music gives him all of these things and it was OFA that allowed him to take the first step to see the potential of where music could take him in life. Even before Noah got a place at a special school, his friends and family had all noticed a huge difference in him after his time with NOFA. He stood taller and spoke to people about the concert and course.

“I can’t even begin to list all the times staff have taken the time to encourage and support Noah. They are all so skilled, professional and kind, I don’t think they know the huge difference they are making – OFA’s generous nature makes everything flow so naturally. Members are appreciated for who they are and what they contribute. The sum of the parts of the orchestra is definitely much greater than all the individuals.”

Please support other young musicians like Noah and donate today >

7 ways to support autistic musicians in your youth orchestra

Being autistic is a young musician’s superpower – and with the right level of support, guidance and opportunity, they can thrive.

In the UK, an estimated 700,000 people have a diagnosis of autism, with one in 100 of those being our young people.

Also known as ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ASC (autism spectrum condition) and Asperger’s (or Asperger syndrome) – often used to describe autistic people with above average intelligence – autism isn’t a medical condition, it just means that your brain works in a different way to ‘neurotypical’ people. It exists on a spectrum, so everyone with autism is different; some may need little or no support, whereas others require daily help from a parent or carer.

Famous musicians with autism, or thought to have had autism, include Britain’s Got Talent winner, Susan Boyle, Aphex Twin’s Richard James, singer-songwriter James Taylor, rapper Eminem and multi-instrumentalist, Ladyhawke, to name but a few – not to mention the late great composers, Mozart and Beethoven.

At Orchestras for All, we celebrate each and every one of the young people in our diverse, music-making family – this means championing autistic members as well as those who may be living with a physical disability, learning difficulty or mental health condition.

Recent case studies from the National Autistic Society have also shown just how powerful and effective music therapy can be for autistic musicians, having a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and development as well as providing a unique way to connect. So, here we share just a few ways you can support autistic musicians in your youth orchestra…

Read more: Orchestras for All wins award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022 >

1.    Be aware of your environment

With autism, everyday sensory information is processed differently. Some people can be oversensitive to the senses, while others can be undersensitive or have a mixture of the two.

During your orchestra rehearsals and live events, avoid the use of fluorescent or strobe lighting to minimise the risk of epileptic seizures, provide earplugs if needed, shut doors and windows to reduce external sounds, and prepare a young person in advance if you plan to visit noisy or crowded places. Making the environment as fragrance-free as possible and allowing your musicians to rehearse in clothes they feel comfortable in can also be helpful.

National Orchestra for All’s Wellbeing Lead, Elli, and her son Lucas, an autistic trumpet player, told us: “People with autism may move around or fidget – do not assume this a sign of boredom or disengagement but a way of staying focused. While some will enjoy loud music, they may find other loud sounds (like people shouting) difficult, and many prefer to sit on the end of a row.”

Credit: RuiYing Wang, Royal Northern College of Music

2.    Set up quiet spaces

Always ensure there is a quiet room for your orchestra members to take a few moments out, should they need a quick break to relax. If available, rooms with little clutter and a green, blue, pink, soft orange or neutral interior can be particularly comforting, and you may wish to consider playing soothing sounds.

Whether you’re holding a rehearsal, at a concert venue or meeting with your young people somewhere externally, these designated areas of calm can be extremely helpful if your autistic musicians are feeling overstimulated, providing them with a safe space to manage their senses before returning to the group.

3.    Structure is crucial

Wherever possible, try to establish a regular routine and provide structure. Share any schedules well in advance, letting your young musicians know what time rehearsals will start and finish as well as timings for any upcoming events and when members can eat or take a break.

Staying consistent makes your activity more predictable for those with autism, and using visual cues can also be helpful.

4. Be friendly and approachable

For many autistic people, social interaction and developing new friendships can often feel like a struggle, so having a positive team of staff on hand – perhaps even a wellbeing team, like at Orchestras for All – can be reassuring for those dealing with anxiety and uncertainty.

Always lend an ear if needed and consider arranging for a chaperone to accompany autistic orchestra members to, and during, your live events, helping them to find their way around a new venue or relax them in unfamiliar social situations.

5. Communication is key

Try to be direct in your communication, giving short, concise instructions to ensure your autistic musicians clearly understand what is required of them and provide 1:1 explanations if needed. Avoid the use of sarcasm (which can be hard to pick up on) and relying too heavily on facial expressions or body language.

Offer multiple ways for young people to provide feedback – while verbal communication might be easy for some, others may prefer to share their ideas in written form or recorded as a video or audio clip.

You could also help by breaking down musical activities into small, easy-to-manage steps, providing coloured filters or sheet music printed on coloured paper, and using the ‘arm’s-length rule’ to judge personal space when interacting.

6. Create an inclusive culture

At Orchestras for All, fostering a culture of music-making that is free of judgment is important to us. We’ve seen firsthand through our three life-changing programmes just how powerful this can be, increasing levels of productivity and allowing young people to confidently express themselves with tutors as well as neighbours in their section.

Welcome musicians into your ensemble from diverse backgrounds, who are of mixed ability and play any instrument (alongside those traditionally found in an orchestra), and implement inclusive recruitment strategies for staff to help young people relate to those around them.

7. Remember, each musician is truly unique

Finally, despite some of the barriers that autistic people may face, there are so many valuable gifts and inspiring qualities that can come with neurodiversity.

National Orchestra for All’s Wellbeing Lead, Elli, said: “Young people with autistic spectrum disorders have extraordinary minds. Many have an exceptional talent for music. I have had the privilege of working with autistic young people for many years and continually see strengths and abilities that make them great musicians.

“These include memorising and learning information quickly, thinking and learning in a visual way, being precise and detail-orientated, exceptional honesty and reliability as well as being dependable – especially with schedules and routines. They also have a drive for perfection and order, along with a strong capability for alternate problem-solving and a rare freshness and sense of wonderment.”

We believe that being autistic is a young musician’s superpower – and with the right level of support, guidance and opportunity, they can thrive. So, continue to nurture your autistic peers; your youth orchestra will be much richer for it.

For further information about autism, or if you are autistic and would like to find the right support, the NHS website shares a wide range of resources – from local groups and charities, to social media forums.

To empower aspiring young musicians across the UK, please donate today >