The Neurodivergent Musician

Are you a Neurodivergent Musician? Check out our new community at jonhartmusic.com/community Imagine being on a plane, the temperature fluctuating and every shift sending tingles down your spine. It's not the altitude, but an embodiment of sensory overload, a reality for many neurodiverse individuals like me. This episode tackles the complex world of sensory overload, particularly how it impacts t...

Immerse yourself in a captivating conversation tracing the eclectic journey of Tommy Loose, an accomplished guitarist and harp guitarist hailing from Lincolnshire, England. This episode offers an intimate look into his life as a solo musician, from his early days of learning to play instruments and forming his first band, to touring Holland and playing in renowned venues. A true love letter to mus...

Ever find yourself lost in the depths of a melody, your mind humming to the rhythm of every strum on the guitar? That intense concentration where you're so in tune, so hyperfocused that the world around you simply fades away, might often seem like a superpower. This episode is all about this fascinating phenomenon, often experienced by us neurodivergent musicians. We delve into the science of Hype...

Trigger Warning: This episode delves into discussions surrounding suicidal thoughts and plans. If these subjects are triggering for you, please take the necessary steps to care for yourself and seek support. Note: Crafting this episode has been an incredibly challenging endeavor due to the sensitivity of the topic. However, it is a crucial conversation aimed at raising awareness, extending support...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities of managing depression as a neurodivergent musician? Join us for a heartfelt discussion with Luna Micatar as we navigate the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals dealing with depression. Together, we explore the symptoms of this often misunderstood condition and shed light on effective ways to seek support, implement self-care strategies,...

As a neurodivergent musician, I've experienced firsthand how anxiety can interfere with our ability to perform, write music, and communicate with others in the industry. Today, I'm opening up about my own struggles and sharing valuable tips on managing anxiety, such as identifying triggers, practising mindfulness, reaching out for support, and creating a self-care plan. Navigating the chal...

Join the Facebook community hereDo you ever feel like rejection and criticism hit you harder than others? You're not alone. Today, we tackle the often overlooked issue of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on neurodivergent musicians. Together, we'll uncover strategies for managing RSD, such as surrounding ourselves with a supportive network and engaging in positive self-talk, allo...

Join the Facebook community hereImagine unlocking your true potential as a neurodivergent musician through support, resources, and a deep understanding of your unique strengths and challenges. On this inspiring episode, we chat with John Shortell, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Musicians Union, who sheds light on the vital importance of not only supporting neurodivergent musicia...

Join the Facebook community here. When Jon met Jon! In this captivating episode, the incredibly talented Jon Gomm joins me for an enlightening conversation focused on the experiences of neurodivergent musicians. Together, we explore a multitude of aspects related to living as neurodivergent artists. The conversation flows freely, touching upon various intriguing topics. It's truly awesome to e...

Join the Facebook community hereBurnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can result from prolonged stress and overwork. It can make you feel overwhelmed, drained, and cynical, and it can affect your productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. Burnout can happen to anyone, but it's especially common among individuals who work high-pressure jobs or experience chron...

Join the Facebook community hereIn this episode, I interview Andy Baker from Resound Media about the process of establishing and managing an online music business. We delve into our individual journeys, current projects, and explore topics such as crowdfunding.🔴 Red Section = Insights🟡 Amber Section = Improvised - Our experience🟢 Green Section = Recommendation - Join the RocketFuel 10k Challeng...

Join the Facebook community hereIn this episode, I explore the topic of launching a music career with a neurodivergent brain, sharing insights and personal experiences, as well as a recommendation. Despite encountering challenges while building my own career, I have persevered and emerged stronger and more resilient.🔴 Red Section = Insights🟡 Amber Section = Improvised - My Experience🟢 Green Sec...

Join the Facebook community hereIn this episode, I share my perspectives on the intersection of music education and neurodiversity, my personal experiences with music education, and a recommendation. Despite encountering difficulties along the way, I have emerged stronger and more resilient from those challenges.🔴 Red Section = Insights🟡 Amber Section = Improvised - My Experience🟢 Green Section...

Join the Facebook community hereAs artists, we often find ourselves in high-pressure situations, such as performances, collaborations, and deadlines. These situations can take a toll on our mental and physical health, and as neurodivergent musicians, we may experience stress differently from neurotypical individuals. However, there are various ways to manage STRESS and take care of ourselves.🔴 Re...

Join the Facebook community hereDespite music being seen as a source of joy and artistic expression, research indicates that a significant proportion of musicians (70-80%) face challenges with their mental health. While depression and anxiety are commonly diagnosed, there may be underlying issues such as neurodiversity that require further attention, as was the case with my own experience.🔴 Red S...

Join the Facebook community hereIn this episode, I'm joined by Andy Booth (music industry liaison, festival booker and artist manager.) and we talk about working musician struggles. From touring, teaching, transitioning and the entrepreneurial side.  I thought I'd let the recording flow with this one, which is why it's around the 1h30m mark. Tons of golden eggs in there. 🔴 Red Section = Insights...

Join the Facebook community hereAs a musician, it's crucial to strive towards constant growth and improvement. However, the journey of honing your craft can often seem daunting and overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals. But fear not, in this episode, we will explore unique strategies and tips to help you elevate your musicianship to the next level.🔴 Red Section = Insights🟡 Ambe...

In Episode 03 of Neurodivergent Musicians, Jon Hart explores how neurodivergent musicians can approach learning an instrument in a way that works with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits. From masking in traditional music education to sensory overwhelm, executive dysfunction and dopamine driven motivation, this episode reframes how neurodivergent creatives can build skill withou...

In Episode 02 of Neurodivergent Musicians, Jon Hart explores identity and masking as a neurodivergent musician navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia and masking in the music industry. What does it mean to build an authentic creative identity in a neurotypical world? This episode unpacks imposter syndrome, executive dysfunction, creative intelligence, and the tension between mono society and stereo neu...

In Episode 01 of Neurodivergent Musicians, Jon Hart explores what awareness really means for a neurodivergent musician navigating the music industry. From ADHD, autism and dyslexia to masking, burnout and sensory overload, this episode looks at how neurodivergence shapes creativity, performance and identity. What happens when a neurodivergent artist becomes self aware? How do executive dysfunction...