This episode marks a departure from our usual format as we delve into an initiative close to my heart: RESONATE, a programme I've developed with the Australian Youth Orchestra through my consultancy. Rather than interviewing established cultural leaders, we're hearing directly from the next generation of classical musicians who are actively reshaping the industry from within.

In this participant-led conversation, violist and composer Sophia Mackson, harpist and composer Paul Nicolaou, and French horn player Milly McAuliffe engage in a candid discussion about neurodivergence in orchestral music. Facilitated by Julia Hill, these four young musicians don't just theorise about inclusion - they're living it, advocating for it, and creating new models for how classical music can embrace neurodivergent artists and audiences.

What You'll Hear

The conversation moves seamlessly between personal experiences and practical solutions, covering:

• Understanding neurodivergence - Moving beyond stereotypes to recognise the full spectrum of ADHD, autism, and other conditions, and how they manifest differently in each individual
• Executive dysfunction in practice - How time blindness, motivation challenges, and decision-making difficulties affect everything from daily practice routines to orchestral rehearsals
• Navigating orchestral etiquette - The unspoken rules that can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent musicians, from section hierarchy to break room dynamics
• Transformative teaching approaches - How supportive educators like Patricia Pollet and Alice Giles create inclusive learning environments by adapting to individual needs rather than enforcing rigid methods
• Innovative performance design - Paul's groundbreaking "Elemental Resonance" concert, which used sensory elements to create accessible experiences for neurodivergent, elderly, and young audiences
• Institutional culture change - Why policies aren't enough when workplace culture remains exclusionary, and how freelance networking disadvantages neurodivergent musicians
• The diagnosis journey - Honest accounts of seeking assessment, facing dismissive healthcare providers, and the validation that comes with understanding oneself
• Workplace accommodations - From access riders to adequate break times, practical strategies that benefit all musicians whilst supporting specific needs

Key Insights

"I think accessibility and accommodations should be the baseline... should be a fundamental in rehearsals, but also just talking to people." - Sophia Mackson

"The effort that organisations are putting in isn't for this one tiny group, it's for everyone, which includes this tiny group." - Paul Nicolaou

"Just assume that there is someone in your ensemble that is neurodivergent. We know the statistics mean that's incredibly likely, if not certain." - Milly McAuliffe

"Your experiences are valid and they're real... you know yourself better than anyone else." - Paul Nicolaou

Why This Matters

This conversation represents a generational shift in classical music. These musicians aren't waiting for permission to create change - they're com

Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media

Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter:

@DCLPod

sc@samuelcairnduff.com

samuelcairnduff.com

@samuelcairnduff

Read Sam's Substack here.

Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff

Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh

Presented in association with Limelight

Decoding Cultural Leadership |
Culture. Society. Conversations