John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, musicians and parents of a son with autism, established Music for Autism in the United Kingdom in 2002 to share their love of music with other individuals with autism and their families. Their journey began by organizing a series of fundraising concerts and producing Songs for Alexander, a music compact disc dedicated to their son, to fund their charitable organization. The CD features Scottish folk songs performed by British classical musicians such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir James Galway, Dame Felicity Lott, Evelyn Glennie, Steven Isserlis and others.
John and Christine were determined to design Music for Autism interactive concerts specifically for individuals with autism and their families. The concerts are held in halls that appeal to people with autism; there is always open space for the audience to react to the music through spontaneous dance and movement. Featuring members of the Orchestra of St. John’s, founded and conducted by Maestro John Lubbock, the unique concerts expose individuals with autism to high quality classical music in a environment designed to make them feel comfortable.
In addition to funding concerts, Music for Autism has supported special units and schools for children with autism. The charity’s music education and equipment grants have furnished sensory rooms and provided school transportation and school supplies for children. Today Music for Autism has a well-established presence in the United Kingdom, holding numerous fundraising and interactive concerts each year throughout Great Britain.
In January 2007, Cherie Blair, wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair, honored Music for Autism at 10 Downing Street for its service to individuals with autism and their families.
Building on the charity's momentum, in 2007, U.S. Founder and Executive Director Robert Accordino introduced Music for Autism to the United States. The organization gained 501c3 status in the U.S. in 2007, thanks to the pro bono efforts of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Washington, D.C. In the U.S., Music for Autism has already continued the trends begun in the U.K. by arranging “autism friendly” interactive concerts at The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, 92nd Street Y, and McCarton School in New York City; The Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey; and The Westview School in Houston, Texas.
A number of Concert Artists Guild (CAG) musicians volunteer their talents for Music for Autism's interactive concerts in the U.S. Through musically oriented fundraisers, beginning with a kick-off November 2007 fundraiser starring Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick, Music for Autism will subsidize all of its programming for those with autism and their families and expand nationally to improve quality of life of those with autism throughout the U.S.
Music for Autism in the U.S. works in collaboration with The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center to reach and treat underserved individuals with autism through screening and recruiting practices. The Center is the largest health center of its kind, providing free, comprehensive, integrated, interdisciplinary primary care to all children and teens, especially those who are uninsured in New York City. By holding concerts at the Center, Music for Autism aims to encourage adolescents with autism to return to the Center for free medical and psychological care and social skills training.
In 2009, Music for Autism began a Spotlight Artist Program to recognize extraordinarily talented and gifted artists who have made a significant commitment to supporting the work of Music for Autism and aided in the charity's expansion to additional U.S. cities. Pianist Jade Simmons was the first artist in the U.S. to receive this honor.
