New Audience Symposium on Concerts in Special Education Schools

The first New Audience Symposium, held digitally on February 20th, 2025, brought together 26 participants from eleven European countries to discuss the innovative role of Musethica concerts in special education schools. The symposium, part of the EU co-funded project 1000+ Concerts: Innovating Higher Music Education Through Social Inclusion, focused on how these concerts function as a unique educational and emotional experience for students with diverse needs.

Moderated by Musethica founder Avri Levitan, the symposium featured insights from three educators who have implemented Musethica concerts in their schools for children with special needs. Carsten Goebell, Deputy Principal at Helene Haeusler School in Berlin, Katarzyna Jemilehin, teacher at Szkoła Podstawowa Specjalna No. 240 in Warsaw, and Beatriz Cuartero, teacher at Rincón de Goya School in Zaragoza, shared their firsthand experiences and observations.

The panelists discussed various challenges and rewards from integrating classical music concerts into their school schedules. Goebell emphasized that for many students, particularly those with autism, the Musethica concerts provide a rare opportunity to experience live classical music. Cuartero shared that while some students lose attention during the longer concerts, the overall impact has been positive, with students benefiting from a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Jemilehin observed a wide range of reactions from students, including dancing, relaxation, and even sleeping.

The Q&A session further explored the "magic moment" of Musethica concerts. For the panelists, the musicians' ability to let the music speak for itself – without words – is key, particularly for non-verbal students. The concerts break down barriers, allowing for unique emotional responses.

Stay tuned: the next symposium will focus on addressing the organisational challenges and exploring the potential for further refinement and growth of this initiative.