The Music Lab

The Music Lab is part of The Arts Lab—a program providing free, inclusive music-making experiences for neurodivergent individuals and children from low-income families.Rather than teaching traditional music skills, the Music Lab offers a sensorial experience designed to awaken the senses and encourage collective participation, empowering participants to explore music as a tool for self-expression, emotional well-being, and social connection.Led by professional musicians with lived experience of neurodivergence, this project fosters confidence, creativity, and social skills through interactive sound experiences. It enhances emotional regulation and self-expression while building a supportive community.Over 12 workshops, the Music Lab will engage at least 60 participants. Families, caregivers, and educators will also gain insights into the role of music in personal development. Through these experiences, participants will build confidence, develop new ways of engaging with sound, and find a sense of belonging.

• Click here for more about Inclusive Arts Collective

How The Sessions Will Work

In The Music Lab, we tailor our sessions to suit each participant’s preferences and sensory needs. Some individuals are drawn to playing instruments, while others prefer movement-based responses. To ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged, we divide participants into two groups:Exploration Workshop (60 minutes) – Participants experiment with both instruments and movement in a guided session, allowing them to explore different ways of engaging with music before choosing their preferred approach.Break – A short pause to rest and reset.Club Session (60 minutes) – Participants join either The Instruments Lab to create and experiment with music or The Movement Lab to respond to the music through movement and dance. Both groups collaborate, with some making music while others interpret it physically.This structure allows participants to engage in sensory-friendly, immersive experiences that foster confidence and artistic growth, all while developing self-expression through music.Beneficiaries & Impact: The Music Lab will benefit at least 60 participants over 12 workshops. Some will create music, while others will respond to it through movement, forming a collaborative experience. Families, caregivers, and educators will also gain insight into the benefits of music and movement as tools for expression and well-being.

Watch here one of the pilot workshops using music as a sensory tool:

• Watch more videos of workshops by Inclusive Arts Collective:

Workshops

A workshop of music can includee:
• Writing – Developing scripts, poems, and creative small pieces
• Musical instruments – Exploring sounds, rhythm, and melodies
• Singing – Building confidence through vocal expression
• Music Interaction – Leting participants to respond to different sounds, tempos, and musical styles through movement and sensory engagement

LEADERS OF THE PROJECT:

Gabriela ‘Ina Leah’ Fernandez

A musician and facilitator, Gabriela has designed and led multiple projects integrating music, movement, and creative expression to support emotional well-being.Example of Ina Leah Workshop: This three-week project was designed to help children of different age groups explore and express their emotions through music, movement, and performance. Meeting once or twice a week, we began with journaling exercises to encourage self-expression through words and song. As the project progressed, children engaged in percussion, movement, and vocal expression, culminating in a group performance in the final week that celebrated all types of feelings.

• Find out more about Ina Leah

Hannah Whitfield

Music & Theatre Facilitator
A flute and clarinet player, actor, artist, advocate, and activist, Hannah brings a wealth of experience in performance and inclusive arts practice. Passionate about creativity as a means of expression, they specialise in accessible, engaging experiences that empower young people.
Through The Arts Lab, we will create a dynamic, inclusive space where neurodivergent children can explore, express, and thrive through the arts. This grant will allow us to sustain and expand our work, ensuring that every participant feels valued, empowered, and inspired..

• Find out more about Ina Leah