Projects
I’ve received funding to support projects which tend to focus on students who are neurodivergent. You can find out more about the projects below.
About Wendy
I am a specialist working with neurodivergent people through music. I love being a freelancer for the freedom and flexibility to choose the projects I get involved in. I have been fortunate to have 4 successful grants from the Arts Council.
Evaluations repeatedly show that I help neurodivergent musicians develop creativity, musicality and improve their wellbeing.
Contact me if you would like me to teach at your specialist school and work 1:1 or with small groups of neurodivergent young people or adults.
Arts Council Project 2023-24
This project featured a year-long programme for neurodivergent musicians based in rural areas of Norfolk to develop skills, nurture wellbeing and community, and perform.
Another outcome from the project, was the creation of a chord book, designed to be a useful resource for all guitarists.
Created with my Neurodivergent students in mind, based on my experience, and including their collaborative input.
We also created new printed and digital content to support accessible music practice, with Access All Areas.
The Chord Book
Autism, Music and Education Video with Wendy Benefer
The video has had more than 5k views.
Resources
Website page with useful tips to help music teachers be more ND inclusive
A leaflet download for the most helpful accommodations for teachers working with neurodivergent students – free on my website A4.
Arts Council Project 2022
I was funded to develop autistic led music in Norfolk and refine accessible practice, with a focus on artist wellbeing.
As part of the project, I have created a higher-level booklet to support the creative work during my sessions.
Whilst this is in alignment with the 3 most popular methods of teaching, it relies less on music reading ability and more on developing an ear for music, and enhancing musicality by building creativity skills, and confidence.
This project adapted sessions to the artist’s preferences, strengths, and interests.
I created a YouTube channel and am sharing videos to help my neurodivergent students, by providing them with videos that can easily be shared to explain neurodivergent things to other people.
I am pleased to say these videos have so far helped raise awareness about Irlen Syndrome / visual stress and several artists or their parents, now use coloured overlays or print documents onto coloured paper which helps them to read or read music with greater ease.
Arts Council Project 2021
I was funded to develop musical creativity and self-expression with autistic / ADHD children and adults.
I created and produced a new booklet and further YouTube videos, especially for this course, which have been used to aid multi-sensory creative development.
My sessions helped with developing creativity, self-expression and confidence as well as promoting relaxation and wellbeing.