abilities
Classical music presented in a relaxed and highly accessible format for students of all abilities
Sharing music with students with diverse abilities is central to the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) community ethos. This growing program brings musicians into small groups settings, together with a skilled facilitator, to bring live music directly to students with specialised needs, including hearing impairment, autism and different learning accommodations. Movement, singing and dancing are all encouraged.
Where relevant, these performances are supported by a tailored social story, to assist in preparing students and delivering a more beneficial experience.
The CSO has successfully piloted programs in multiple primary schools and for the Parents of Deaf Children with outstanding results and will continue to reach out to new schools.
“You had every child engaged, asking questions and wondering how your instruments created sound…The children thrived in the musical environment that you both provided and it could not have been more successful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for providing us such an enriching experience. The children are still talking about you!” Shannon Nuzum, Garran Primary School
“Your awareness of the learning needs and abilities of the students enabled them to have a positive musical experience…Such an experience is unique and everlasting for these children as they rarely have the opportunity to listen to live music in an intimate and comfortable setting which caters for their specific needs.” Justin Moyle, Garran Primary School
“These students find it difficult to attend large events in our school hall or to go on excursions due to sensory and other needs. The intimate performance for these students, in the comfort of their own classroom was amazing…each child actively participated and engaged in discussions with the performers.” Carly Duncanson, Giralang Primary School