Mozart Part 1
What do you do if your child with autism is very gifted? What if the next Mozart or Rembrandt is living in your house? How can you encourage a gifted young musician or artist or poet, giving him opportunities to sharpen his skills and to share his talents with others?
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As a music therapist, I have had the privilege over the past 35 years of sharing music with many hundreds of individuals, many of whom were diagnosed with autism. During that time, I’ve known several individuals who were exceptionally gifted musicians. Every situation is different, but, when asked, I encourage families to carefully consider the consequences of diving into the world of Mozart.
1. DEFINITION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSICIAN. Sometimes we encounter a person who is a very good musician, and we wonder if they have the potential of being a world-class musician. In reality, there are many musicians with exceptional talent living in the world today. Although your friend with autism may be very gifted, it would be rare to stand above all the talented singers, pianists, instrumentalists, composers, and conductors who perform a wide variety of styles and genres of music around the world. It is certainly possible for an individual with autism to become a renowned musician or to play in a prestigious ensemble, but it is probably good to get a second opinion before dreaming of a world concert tour. Also be cautious of your youngster falling into the trap of being considered a great musician – given his autism. That is not to say you should just ignore musical talent, but measure giftedness against a world-class ruler and have realistic expectations.
2. PERSONAL PREFERENCES OF THE MUSICIAN. In some cases, gifted musicians are willing to pursue the rigorous path of sharpening their musical talents and embarking on a professional career. Other individuals prefer to play for their own interest and pleasure. Some musicians need more encouragement than others to reach their full potential, whether as a professional or a recreational musician. But, no matter the level of their talent, do not risk sacrificing contentment and personal satisfaction for fame and fortune.
On a different note, some parents or piano teachers may want to encourage an individual to pursue a career in classical music when the person actually prefers jazz music or bluegrass. Beware of trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.
3. OPTIONS FOR INSTRUCTION. If your youngster with autism seems to be exceptionally gifted, families might want to pursue music lessons and participation in music ensembles at school and in the community. If, for example, a person is an unusually talented guitarist, the family may need to move to a different community in order to pursue lessons with a world-class guitar instructor.
4. LIFE-STYLE OF PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS. If our youngster appears on national television, the temptation to embark on a world tour may arise. Or your youngster may be invited to perform with a prestigious ensemble. Be aware of the time commitments and the impact of a touring schedule on family and personal life before signing a contract. Remember that fame and fortune are fleeting. Even the most popular, acclaimed musicians discover the fickleness of their fans, and recognize the toll wrought through concert tours, recording dates, and promotional efforts.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Even if your friend with autism is not the cream of the crop, she can still develop her musical talents and share her gifts with others. Tune in to Part 2 of this series for some great ideas to encourage people to enjoy making music, no matter their level of mastery.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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