How can singing teachers better support neurodivergent singers? In this insightful episode, Alexa is joined by singer, educator and former hospital school deputy head Sarah Marion to explore neurodiversity in singing lessons. From ADHD, autism, Tourette’s and anxiety, to sensory overload, perfectionism and performance overwhelm, Sarah shares practical ways teachers can create safer, more flexible and inclusive learning environments. Discover why structure and preparation matter, how music can support communication and connection, and why focusing on each singer’s individual ‘superpowers’ can transform the way we teach.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
7:33 What is a hospital school?
8:02 The role of music in education and neurodiversity
17:34 Supporting singers with ADHD
19:26 Supporting singers with autism and Tourrette’s
22:42 Recognising the signs of overwhelm
24:00 Preparation, predictability and structuring the singing lesson
30:27 Supporting neurodivergent singers in rehearsals and auditions
31:43 Helping neurodivergent singers with organisation
36:34 The neurodivergent teacher
38:44 Rethinking professionalism and making adaptations
About the presenter HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.280 What Singing Teachers Need to Understand About Performance Anxiety with Mel Toy
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sarah is a Wirral-based singer and pianist with a lifelong passion for music and performance. In her twenties, based in Manchester she performed extensively with bands, session work and solo gigs, including a stint working abroad. Sarah is a classically trained singer to post graduate level. Following her performing career, Sarah dedicated 30 years to teaching music in Wirral comprehensive schools. During this time, she led numerous school productions and successfully prepared students for GCSE music examinations, inspiring a new generation of musicians. During the last 10 years in education Sarah became a Deputy Headteacher in a hospital school specialising in Trauma Informed Teaching, creating teaching toolkits for reducing anxiety in young people with poor mental health, often comorbid with a diagnosis of neurodiversity. Sarah now combines her time between performing, 1:1 Teaching and has a mentor role with the SSAT. [Schools Students and Teachers Network]
Instagram: @sarah_marrion_sings
