The Orchestra of St John’s Music for Autism programme has been taking professional concerts into special schools in England for the past 20 years; enabling young people with complex needs to enjoy professionally-performed music in an informal and accessible environment where differences are celebrated.

The ALMT is supporting 5 workshop days in Oxford schools this year. During a typical day the OSJ musicians, led by animateur John Lubbock perform 6-8 short concerts for 60-100 young people. At the heart of their work is the belief that music can be hugely beneficial for improving communication skills and increasing levels of wellbeing. Workshops are people-centered, and musicians are led by the preferences and needs of the young people; for example, scarves are provided for those who enjoy dancing, and microphones for those who enjoy singing along.