Music Mentorship in Schools
For over 21 years I’ve worked with thousands of young people including those with Social Emotional and Behavioural difficulties, Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent needs through music mentorship and lessons using music to empower young people build trust, creativity and discover their potential.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and well-being of every young person I work with is a priority. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and have completed Designated Safeguarding Lead training. I’m committed to providing a supportive and respectful environment where every young person feels valued and able to express themselves through music.
What Students Gain Through Music
Music provides young people with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop new skills and express themselves through Drums, Guitar, Keyboard and Ukulele but the experience doesn’t stop at learning to play through my mentorship sessions.
Students also have the opportunity to compose, create and produce their own music. This is an important part of building confidence, self belief, and a sense of accomplishment throughout the year.
Students I work with have the opportunity to contribute their original compositions to seasonal albums, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. These albums give schools an opportunity to celebrate creativity and share with their school.
If you would like to listen to some of the incredible original compositions my students have created, please click the button below
Understanding Through
Experience
My approach to mentoring is shaped by both professional experience and lived experience growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome. Autism and ADHD and has given me a personal understanding of some of the challenges young people face when navigating a world that doesn’t always understand them.
Alongside my 21 years of professional experience and my level two training and counselling skills, I bring understanding, empathy and encouragement into my mentorship.
My aim is for every young person I work with to feel valued and supported to recognise their own potential, because sometimes being understood makes all the difference.
Beyond Labels: A Journey with Tourette’s syndrome and autism
My book, Beyond Labels, is a personal journey through growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome and autism, sharing my lived experiences, challenges, achievements and the moments that have shaped the person I am today.
The book is divided into two parts.
Part One: My Story
The first half takes readers through my personal experiences of growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome and autism. From childhood memories and navigating education to friendships, challenges, personal achievements and discovering my own identity, I share an honest account of life beyond the labels
Part 2: Reflection
The second half moves beyond my personal story and explores experiences and situations that families and parents may recognise in their own lives.
Through personal reflections, I explore subjects such as understanding meltdowns, navigating sensory overload, managing anxiety, responding to challenging situations and recognising the importance of understanding the person behind the behaviour.
Drawing on my own lived experience, I hope to offer reassurance, perspective and practical ideas that parents and families can take away and reflect on.
Ultimately, Beyond Labels is about changing perspectives, encouraging understanding and recognising that there is always a person beyond the diagnosis.
If you’d like to view a copy of my book, please click the button below
Speaker In Schools and Events
Through my keynote presentations in schools, educational settings and at events, I share my personal journey of growing up and living with Tourette’s Syndrome, Autism and ADHD.
My aim is to offer audiences an opportunity to look through the window of someone who has experienced life beyond the diagnosis – sharing the realities, challenges, misunderstandings and achievements that have shaped my journey.
Drawing on my own lived experience, alongside more than 21 years of working within education and supporting thousands of neurodivergent young people, I bring together two important perspectives: understanding neurodivergence from the inside and understanding the experiences of those I have worked alongside.
My presentations explore what it really means to live with a neurodevelopmental condition, challenge common misconceptions and encourage audiences to look beyond behaviours, assumptions and labels.
Whether speaking to teachers, parents, school communities or wider audiences, my message remains the same:
Don’t just look at the label. Take the time to understand the person behind it.
Because when we change the way we see people, we can change the way we support, understand and treat them.
Personal Achievements
Dream Big. Believe in Yourself. Never Let a Label Define Your Potential.
Music has always been a huge part of who I am. Whether it’s picking up a guitar, sitting behind a keyboard, playing the drums or ukulele, creativity has always given me an opportunity to express myself and follow my passions.
Over the years, that passion has taken me on a journey I could once only have dreamed of. Through determination, hard work and believing in my abilities, I’ve been fortunate enough to become a signed composer with multiple record labels, with my music featured across television and film.
My compositions are also available to listen to across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many more.
But for me, these achievements represent something much bigger than music. They represent the importance of believing in yourself, embracing your individuality and not allowing a diagnosis, a label or somebody else’s expectations to determine what you can achieve.
If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my journey, it’s that having a neurodevelopmental condition doesn’t mean you have to give up on your ambitions or dreams.
There is so much more to every person than the label they carry. Sometimes, you just need the opportunity to discover what you’re capable of.
Autism Friendly Music Books
Created by Sean Palmer
