Music for Autism, an international organization committed to raising awareness and improving the quality of life of individuals with autism, is hosting an exclusive Spring Gala charity event on April 5th in Times Square.

This one-night-only event will include musical theater cabaret performed by Broadway talent John Arthur Greene, who is currently starring in “West Side Story.” Other performers include “West Side Story” violinist Philip Payton and “Jersey Boys” pianist Deborah Hurwitz.

Guests will enjoy the show with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and more.

The gala will also honor Noah Ruttenberg, recipient of Music for Autism's 2010 Service Award.

The event will take place from 6-9:30 p.m. in the Toys ‘R’ Us Times Square Skybox at 1530 Broadway, New York, New York.

For more information about the gala, please visit www.musicforautism.org/springgala2010. Or visit our Facebook page.

About Music for Autism

With headquarters in the United Kingdom and the United States, Music for Autism sponsors interactive concerts specifically tailored to be “autism friendly” and to enrich the lives of those with autism through exposure to high-quality music performed by professional musicians. Our charity is committed to ensuring that our concerts are accessible to all. To that end, our events are fully subsidized and admission is free to all participants with autism and their families.

Music for Autism has collaborated with such renowned musicians as the Brentano String Quartet, the Grammy-nominated Enso Quartet, Dame Felicity Lott, Sir James Galway, Steven Isserlis, Jade Summons, Tony Award-winner Jarrod Emick, and many others. We currently hold concerts at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, the 92nd Street Y and the McCarton School in New York City; the Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey; and the Westview School in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.MusicForAutism.org.

• New York Times
• Playbill.com
• BroadwayWorld.com
• Centro Educacional Guarapari

Thanks to Wendy James, Music for Autism supporter and parent of a child with autism, the eco-chic online boutique Organica Deluxe will donate 15 percent of the proceeds on all 2010 sales to Music For Autism. Please take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to buy affordable organic gifts for yourself and your friends, while supporting Music for Autism.

Featured on CNN, Organica Deluxe offers baby, wedding and anniversary gifts, organic gourmet chocolates and treats, wine, home décor and flowers -- all with attention to organic sourcing and sustainable packaging. Just one Organica Deluxe gift box supports sustainable manufacturers, organic farmers and community artisans around the globe. Now, that same gift box can bring music to those with autism and their families.

Make a difference for Music for Autism today by choosing gorgeous and green at Organica Deluxe. Please use code M4A at checkout.

Music for Autism's musical programming committee has unanimously selected trumpeter Ryan Gardner as its 2010 Spotlight Artist. As the first musician to perform with M4A in the United States, Ryan set the bar high with his level of enthusiasm and interactive programming. In addition, Ryan has been instrumental in connecting M4A to other exceptional artists who have performed with M4A in New York City and Houston. For example, M4A's successful collaboration with the Shepherd School in Houston is a direct result of Ryan's connection to Marie Speziale, his former professor and chair of the Brass Department.

Originally from Santa Monica, California, Ryan currently resides in Fort Smith, Arkansas where he is assistant professor of High Brass at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. He received his bachelor's with distinction from the Eastman School of Music, his master's from the Shepherd School of Music and his doctorate in Trumpet Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed extensively in major symphony orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and in chamber music settings. He is also an active teacher who believes that music should be accessible to all. He is committed to outreach and interactive programming that aligns ideally with the mission of M4A.

“I feel so privileged to be a part of this venture and I truly believe that the work we do benefits those with autism and their families probably more than we will ever know,” said Ryan. “I look forward to continuing to work together and to helping in any way.”

“Ryan has already proven himself to be a extraordinary champion of our cause, and this is just the beginning of our relationship,” said M4A's Executive Director Robert Accordino. “We congratulate Ryan on this tremendous achievement. We are honored by his work with us and look forward to the work we've yet to do together in serving those with autism and their families.”

Since Music for Autism's first concert in the U.S. three years ago, the Concert Artists Guild (CAG) has been connecting M4A to the country's most accomplished musical talent, enabling us to bring the highest quality musical programming to children with autism and their families. CAG is an internationally recognized arts service organization that aims to discover, nurture and promote young musicians. Since its inception in 1951, CAG has provided an ever-growing variety of management services to young artists, including recital, chamber and orchestral engagement booking, marketing and publicity support, and recording opportunities. Through the support of Executive Director Richard Weinert, Executive Vice-President Amy Frawley, and Jessica Hadler at CAG, Music for Autism has had the privilege of working with a number of CAG's outstanding artists:

• Jade Simmons, M4A's 2009 Spotlight Artist, performed in Houston, as well as in New York in 2008 and 2010.
• The Grammy-nominated Enso String Quartet performed in Princeton in 2008.
• At the M4A Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center Open House, Jessica Lee and Tanya Bannister performed.
• On April 3, 2010, toy pianist Phyllis Chen will perform with M4A at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

“It is a blessing to be able to assist Music for Autism in its mission to bring comfort through music to those with autism,” said Richard Weinert, President of CAG. “The musicians who have participated have grown as artists and human beings, and we express appreciation on their behalf.”

“We are grateful for the support of those at Concert Artists Guild and are honored by the contributions of their artists. We look forward to continuing this wonderful collaboration,” said M4A's Executive Director Robert Accordino.

Now available on CD or digital download is SingSOS!, an album of original songs about autism by artists including Jackson Browne and Valerie Carter (duet), Dar Williams, Marshall Crenshaw, Teddy Geiger, Jonathan Brooke, Dan Bern, Ari Hest, and others. SingSOS!/Songs of the Spectrum is a nonprofit organization that enlists the power of music to spread the word about autism spectrum disorders and the importance of early detection and intensive intervention. On the album and the website, there is also a hand-selected set of high-quality information for parents and educators about autism in free downloadable form, including excerpts from books by leading experts.

Download the album at SingSOS! for a $15 donation or order a CD for $20. All proceeds go to a nonprofit group chosen by the donor - you are encouraged to select Music for Autism when choosing your charity at checkout.

All songs on the album are collaboration between John O'Neil, a New York Times editor whose 2004 essay about his autistic son James was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and Jon Fried and Deena Shoshkes, a husband/wife team that performs as the Cucumbers. Fried and Shoshkes, close friends of the O'Neil family, have witnessed firsthand James's struggle and progress.

“Early intervention and dedicated, relentless treatment can have a genuinely transforming effect,” said O'Neil. “We want to bring listeners inside an experience that is so hard to see and so hard to understand. Autism has understandably been called an ‘invisible epidemic.” We hope to make it tangible.”

“The songs tell a cohesive story that affected families and others with an interest in or connection to autism can follow,” said Jon Fried. “We've had listeners tell us ‘You are singing my life’ and ‘Now I feel less alone.’”

A performance of the SingSOS! songs was the concluding event of the United Nation's activities marking World Autism Awareness Day in April 2009.

For more information, visit www.singsos.org.

New York, NY - Music for Autism is thrilled to continue its successful partnership with the 92nd Street Y, one of New York's premiere cultural institutions. Building on the success of its first concert in the Y1s Unterberg Chapel, which featured vocalist and composer Laura Parkins, M4A recently partnered with the Y for two more stellar performances:

• On January 9th, cellist Sophie Shao and pianist Jeewon Park performed in the Unterberg Chapel. Shao has been praised by critics for her “lush, sweet sound,” and Park for her “deeply reflective” style.
• On February 13th, pianist Jade Simmons, M4A's first Spotlight Artist, will show us her hip and passionate approach to classical music when she performs in the Y1s Art Gallery. Simmons is both classical and cutting edge and promises to be one of Music for Autism's most electrifying performers yet.

“We are tremendously grateful and honored to be working in collaboration with such a world class institution! It has been a pleasure to work closely with Fretta Reitzes, Director of the Goldman Center for Youth & Family to bring our extraordinary musical programming to the 92nd Street Y.”

There are several concerts planned at the Y in 2010 with a kick-off celebration in the works as well to mark the collaborative work of Music for Autism and the 92nd Street Y to serve those with autism and their families through music.

New York, NY - Music for Autism congratulates the Enso String Quartet on their recent Grammy nomination. The group's recording of the Ginastera Quartets on the Naxos label received a nomination in the Best Chamber Music Performance category. Critics have called the music of the Enso String Quartet “jaw-dropping” and have urged music lovers to “seek out this group, clearly bound for greatness.” The group's critical success will come as no surprise to families who attended the group's Feb. 9, 2008 M4A performance at the Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. The group received a standing ovation from excited children and appreciative parents alike as the debut performers of M4A's Princeton concert.

Purchase The Ginastera Quartets by the Enso String Quartet.

New York, NY - On Dec. 13, 2009, dozens of families braved fierce winter weather to hear the Brentano String Quartet perform at the newly-located McCarton School in New York. The quartet wowed an auditorium of Music for Autism families with their warm sound and spellbinding performance. The members of the Brentano String Quartet are no strangers to critical acclaim. The London Times describes Brentano as “wonderful, selfless music-making.” In 1996, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center invited the quartet to be the inaugural members of Chamber Music Society Two, a program which has become a coveted distinction for chamber groups and individuals.

This was the first M4A concert at the McCarton School, and it was tremendously successful. The McCarton School provides an educational program for autistic children by using an integrated one-to-one model of therapy that is grounded in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) combined with speech and language therapy, motor skills training, and peer interaction.

“We were thrilled to host M4A. The happiness and smiles on the parents' and children's faces said it all,” said Cecelia McCarton, MD, McCarton School executive director and M4A board member, who generously underwrote the concert through M4A's new concert underwriting program.

“We are grateful to be able to have concerts at the wonderful McCarton School, and having the Brentano String Quartet perform at our debut concert there was an extraordinary honor for us!” said Robert Accordino, M4A's Executive Director. “It is a tremendous honor to be able to work with Dr. McCarton to serve those with autism and their families through our unique interactive programming.”

Nina Maria Lee, cellist of the Brentano String Quartet, was also very enthusiastic about her M4A performance experience, “Thanks so much for having us be a part of your wonderful organization. You are truly changing people's lives, and it was more of an honor for us. You give these families opportunities that others take for granted.”

Learn more about the McCarton School.

Washington, DC - Music for Autism Executive Director Robert Accordino recently spoke at a symposium at the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 60th anniversary of the United States-Australia Fulbright Commission. Accordino discussed research in autism that he completed while he was a Fulbright Scholar in Australia. Some of this research led Accordino to found Music for Autism in the United States.

Guests at the event included the Australian ambassador, the Australian minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and Harriet Fulbright, wife of the late Senator J. William Fulbright, who founded the Fulbright scholarship program. Accordino was one of only six former grant recipients chosen to speak at the symposium. Other speakers included Abbe Smith, professor at Georgetown Law, and David McCann, program director with the Clinton Climate Initiative, a project of the William J Clinton Foundation.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator Fulbright. The program awards some of the country's brightest students with a year-long research grant. The Fulbright Program currently operates in more than 150 countries.

Music for Autism (M4A) made its Texas debut at the Westview School in Houston on August 15, 2009. The event took place during the Houston Autism Speaks Kick-Off and featured M4A’s first Spotlight Artist, pianist Jade Simmons, with an audience of over 200. This concert, a first for M4A in the United States outside of the northeast, marks the beginning of M4A’s national expansion, which will continue in the years ahead.

“Jade’s exceptional performance set the bar extremely high for future concerts in Houston,” said M4A’s Executive Director Robert Accordino. “It was a tremendous pleasure to attend our first concert in Texas and to meet those with autism and their families whom we served and will continue to serve at future Houston concerts at the Westview School.”

Jane Stewart, Founder and Director of the Westview School, was very enthusiastic about future M4A collaborations, “We were so proud to be part of the first Texas M4A concert; how fortunate we were to have Jade at our first concert! I am really excited about our collaborating with M4A to host more concerts in the future,” she said. “I kept thinking how wonderful it must have been for those parents to be at an event where they did not have to worry about their child nor worry about what people were thinking.”

“On behalf of M4A, I’d like to thank all individuals who have collaborated with the organization to bring the concerts to Houston,” said Accordino. “From Jade Simmons, Nikhi Young, Patricia Robbins and other Autism Speaks volunteers who worked with us to Jane Stewart, Susie Norman, Donna Marshall, Jenny Jumonville, and the staff of the Westview School and our photographer Nathan Simmons, everyone wholeheartedly embraced our collaborative effort to bring “autism friendly” musical programming to Houston.”

M4A currently holds concerts in New York, New York; Princeton, New Jersey; and Houston, Texas, and has plans for expansion to several additional U.S. cities. M4A will hold its next concert in Houston with pianist Kris Becker on Saturday, October 14 at 1 p.m. at the Westview School.

Jaime Pagliaro has been appointed the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of Music For Autism (M4A). Pagliaro will lead the executive committee that will oversee M4A programming, fundraising and promotions.

Pagliaro has worked with autism for more than a decade. He was the founding Executive Director of the New York Center for Autism Charter School, which was the first charter school in New York City to exclusively serve individuals with autism. The school continues to receive national recognition as a model public school-based solution for children with autism spectrum disorders. More recently, Pagliaro began work as Executive Vice President of Business Development for Rethink Autism, a groundbreaking, market-based initiative that leverages the internet to deliver high quality educational resources to parents of individuals with autism.

“I am looking forward to working closely to advance the mission of M4A,” said Pagliaro, who noted that he is excited about his new role with M4A, as well as the organization’s great opportunity for growth.

“M4A proudly welcomes Jamie as chair of our Board and will benefit greatly from his talents and enthusiasm. I am delighted to be able to work closely with Jamie in this new role,” said M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino.

Music For Autism (M4A) Junior Board member Joshua Stein was the honoree of the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual luncheon on May 12, 2009, at Rockefeller Center. Stein was recognized for his work in non-classroom based inclusion for the Down syndrome community. In 2003, he co-founded Camp PALS, a weeklong, summer, inclusion camp for teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome. Over the past five years, the program has become the leading initiative of its type in the United States.

Camp PALS connects teens with and without Down syndrome through interactive programming. The camp pairs campers and counselors together on a one-to-one basis. Campers and counselors play sports, enjoy performances and take trips together.

“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized by the NDSS,” said Stein. “I have always loved the concept of social entrepreneurship and Camp PALS, like M4A, provides me with a great way to take ideas and put them in practice.”

Added Stein, “M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino is an incredible and capable leader, and I look forward to watching M4A grow.”

“We are extremely proud of Josh’s award,” said Accordino. “He is a young hero in the Down syndrome community, and it is an honor to be able to work with him to enhance the quality of life of those with autism.”

Pianist Jade Simmons has been selected as the first Music for Autism Spotlight Artist. Music for Autism (M4A) introduced the series to recognize extraordinarily talented and gifted artists who have made a significant commitment to supporting the work of M4A and aided in the charity’s expansion to additional US cities.

“M4A provides a safe and magical place where tangible musical experiences can be had and lifelong memories can be made,” said Simmons. “Since first connecting with M4A, I have been impressed by the program’s mission. M4A fills a much needed niche.”

Added Simmons, “As a musician wary of the confines often associated with classical music in particular, M4A provides me with my own artistic outlet to share music in an uncommonly personal way from the stage.”

M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino is inspired by Simmons’ dedication to the program. “Jade is a talented, versatile musician who takes the performer’s role in classical music to an unsurpassed level,” he said. “Her concert for M4A in New York City was a tremendous success. She will now generously help us serve families affected by autism in her hometown of Houston, Texas, by supporting our expansion there. We are extremely grateful to Jade for her time and talent.”

Dr. Angela Diaz, Valerie Goldfein and Chesa Boudin were recently recognized for their accomplishments in medicine, philanthropy and writing, respectively.

Music for Autism Board Member Dr. Angela Diaz, the Jean C. and James W. Crystal Professor of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, was recently elected to the Institute of Medicine. Membership in this association is considered one of the highest honors within the fields of health and medicine. The institute recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.

Board Member Valerie Goldfein was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals at their 2008 National Philanthropy Day as Mount Sinai Hospital’s honoree. She is the Founder of Woman to Woman, which is a peer to peer survivor volunteer support program for women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancers and their families at Mount Sinai. She has also been a constant supporter of Mount Sinai and a generous supporter of the launch of Music for Autism in the United States.

Junior Board Member Chesa Boudin’s autobiographical memoir, Gringo: A Coming-of-Age in Latin America, published by Scribner, has earned rave reviews from notable authors including Noam Chomsky who wrote, “This marvelous voyage of personal discovery provides a vivid portrait of the richness and diversity of Latin America, its wonders and suffering, the courage and irrepressible spirit of its people, as they are revealed to a thoughtful and sensitive eye during the most exciting and hopeful decade since the European conquests.”

Thirteen-year-old Noah Ruttenberg’s April 25 Bar Mitzvah was unusual: in lieu of gifts, Noah decided to raise money for Music for Autism (M4A). Whereas most teenagers view this Jewish rite of passage as a chance to receive presents, Noah instead wanted to support M4A, a program that he cares strongly about. “When people ask what the best gift was I tell them the joy it gives me to make others happy.”

Noah’s mother, Perri Peltz, is a committed philanthropist, and when she heard about M4A, she became passionate about the cause and decided to get involved. She spoke with Noah about the charity, and Noah decided that he wanted to support the cause with the gifts from his Bar Mitzvah.

Accordino is extremely pleased and honored by Noah’s gift. “Noah is a very inspiring young man, and it was an honor to be able to work with him to help support Music for Autism with his Bar Mitzvah,” he said. “This special day in his Book of Life was not only a milestone for him, but it was also a tremendous day for M4A. We look forward to having Noah remain involved as a member of the M4A family.”

Noah rests assured that his donation of over $15,000 has been put to good use. Recently, Music for Autism debuted its first concert outside of the Northeast in Houston, Texas. The charity will also be expanding to two additional sites in New York City this Fall.

To learn more about how you can support M4A with a gift, please contact Robert Accordino by emailing robert@MusicForAutism.org.

Music for Autism (M4A) held its first Strategic Planning Retreat on March 20, 2009. At the retreat, M4A’s Board of Directors adopted the following revised mission statement:

“The Board believes that this statement better reflects the ideals of the organization in the US. We hope that it will focus our organization’s efforts in the autism community and have the boldest and broadest impact possible,” said Robert Accordino, Executive Director, M4A.

During the retreat, the Board also conceived a Spotlight Artist Program that will highlight exceptional musicians who have made significant contributions to M4A. Additionally, the Board established a plan for a Spring 2010 fundraising gala.

(Chicago) - Robert Accordino, MSc, has been named a recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s 2009 Leadership Award. This award provides medical students, residents/fellows and early career physicians from around the country with training to develop their skills as future leaders in organized medicine and community affairs.

The AMA Foundation honored 30 individuals with the award at its annual Excellence in Medicine Awards ceremony on March 9 in Washington D.C. Presented in association with Pfizer, Inc, award recipients are recognized for demonstrating outstanding non-clinical leadership skills in advocacy, community service and education.

“Through actions such as leading a free clinic, changing health policy, conducting cutting-edge research and volunteering on a global level, these men and women have shown tremendous potential for joining the next generation of medical leaders,” said Jean Howard, President of the AMA Foundation. “I am confident that these outstanding individuals will provide the necessary leadership to improve health care delivery in our country.”

Accordino, a medical student at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in psychology and certificates in music and theatre. Originally from Briarcliff Manor, New York, Accordino is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and holds a Master’s of Science in experimental psychology from Oxford University, where he was supported by Fulbright and Rotary Ambassadorial scholarships. During medical school, Accordino founded and served as Executive Director for Music for Autism, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life, education and clinical care of individuals with autism, particularly those in underserved areas.

For his work with the charity’s sister organization in the United Kingdom, Accordino was honored by Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, for his service to individuals with autism and their families. He has served as his class’ representative on the executive curriculum committee and founded the Class of 2010 Clinical Medical Education Focus Group at Mount Sinai. At Princeton, he served as chair of the student health advisory board. Accordino hopes to pursue a career in academic pediatrics with a focus on advocacy, clinical research and medical education.

“From his entry into Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Robert has invested tremendous energy in improving the quality of the education and the reputation of our school,” said Erica Friedman, MD, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, who nominated Accordino for the award. “Robert has the energy, insight, critical thinking skills and global view that will allow him to address important issues in medical education.”

As the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, the AMA Foundation is committed to supporting programs in medical education and public health. For more information, please visit www.amafoundation.org or call (312) 464-4200.

Princeton, NJ - Music for Autism (M4A) held its inaugural interactive concert on February 9, 2008, at the Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. The event, M4A’s first US performance outside of the New York City area, featured music by the Enso String Quartet.

Carol Markowitz, Chief Operating Officer of the Eden Family of Services and member of the Board of Directors of M4A, said, “The concert was a wonderful event. Parents expressed their pleasure at being treated to such wonderful music, without having to worry about their children’s behavior, or about getting a baby sitter, which can be daunting for a family with a child with autism. The entire family could enjoy the event together, and we had extended families with us, including brothers and sisters. The children with autism who attended also were visibly engaged with the music, conducting, and for the most part very attentive. The musicians from the Enso String Quartet were a delight and seemed to enjoy the interactions as well.”

Many attendees expressed their tremendous appreciation for the concert. One parent said, “We know that this was for the kids, but probably my husband and I enjoyed it most of all - [...] it was so nice to be able to bring our children regardless of the noise that our son with autism might make.” Another commented, “My son loved it and I felt like it was a total luxury for me.”

M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino expressed his gratitude to Carol and those at Eden. “We are thrilled that our first concert outside of New York City was such a success and look forward to continuing to bring high quality music to families in New Jersey through our collaboration with Eden,” said Accordino. “It is truly an honor to collaborate with the institution that created the concept of services for individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We are enormously grateful to Carol and the spectacular staff at Eden and to the Enso String Quartet for sharing their talents with us.”

About Eden Services

Eden Services provides a variety of services to children and adults with autism including 12 month education, job training, early intervention, residential services for adults, adult center based services, supported employment, summer residential programming for children, diagnosis and evaluation, and consultation to schools and agencies. Eden’s mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan.

Philadelphia, PA - Music For Autism (M4A) recently teamed with the Wharton School of Business, Philadelphia, PA, for its first fundraiser held outside the tri-state area. Managed by 10 Wharton business students, the well-attended December 2 event raised $850 and increased awareness about M4A on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Featuring numerous local and University-affiliated artists, the fundraiser culminated a semester-long partnership between M4A and Wharton. First-year students in Wharton’s prestigious Management 100 course - the first business course taken by Wharton undergraduates - worked closely with M4A to develop an innovative project that would introduce them to the principles of non-profit management.

M4A Junior Board of Trustee member Joshua Stein was impressed with the students” work, as well as with their dedication to the cause. “The event was really fun and well-organized,” said Stein. “The UPenn community embraced the work done by these talented first-years, and were extremely supportive of Music for Autism in general. I hope that our relationship with UPenn will continue to strengthen in the future.”

New York, NY - Jarrod Emick, best known for his Tony Award-winning reprisal of the role of Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, helped Music for Autism (M4A) raise more over $26,000 at its inaugural fundraiser on November 18. Emick was joined by pianist Charity Wicks, currently one of the pianists for Spring Awakening on Broadway, and singer Lauren Thomas at the M4A event hosted by Deborah Diane Bailey in Princeton, New Jersey.

“M4A’s work is extremely important: it fills a void of services for those who need them most,” said Bailey, who thanked guests for their enormous generosity.

Robert Accordino, M4A executive director added, “It is poetic: we get to experience extraordinary music in support of a charity that enables everyone - irrespective of developmental or socioeconomic status - to experience high quality music.”

Accordino thanked Bailey for her extraordinary hospitality, and noted that parents expressed their gratitude to M4A throughout the weekend, which also included several interactive concerts for those with autism and their families in New York City.

Emick’s impressive performance including an emotional ballad from Miss Saigon and two energetic and crowd-pleasing Johnny Cash songs from Ring of Fire, in which he recently starred on Broadway.

Funds raised from the event will subsidize M4A’s interactive concerts, held at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City and at the Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. Through the funds, M4A will continue to fully subsidize concerts for all individuals with autism and their families and caregivers, and begin an endowment for future grants.

New York, NY - Music for Autism’s long-awaited inaugural interactive concerts, held at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center on November 17, 2007, had a tremendously positive impact on those who attended. The concert featured talented young professional musicians Ryan Gardner on trumpet and Charity Wicks on piano, both of whom are doctoral students at Manhattan School of Music. Charity is currently a pianist for Spring Awakening on Broadway. Many audience members commented on the musicians’ extraordinary abilities to make the concerts extremely “autism friendly” and inviting for all audience members.

“It was an amazing experience for us,” said parent Susan Hershman. “The people running the concert were so welcoming, and we immediately felt comfortable...Both musicians were talented and kind to the individuals with autism. It is hard to find places that welcome children with disabilities, and we felt lucky to participate in an appropriate and respectful activity such as yours. There is such a need for these types of programs. I do hope you continue this important work!”

The unique event featured “concert time” when audience members are free to respond to music as active audience members; “conducting time” when everyone is invited to conduct the musicians; and “percussion time” when participants are asked to play along on percussion instruments provided.

A large team of volunteers also found the concerts moving and inspiring, and Music for Autism gratefully acknowledged their generous contributions. “Our thanks is due to our volunteers, Israel Wojnowich, David Luo, Angela Diaz, Marijane Lehr, James Kirk, Kathie Koo, Eli Sprecher, Denise Purdie, Alexandra Sacks, Valerie Goldfein, Lauren Stossel, Katie Flachs, Nora Segar, Michael Marotta, Rachael Bedard and Gideon Friedman, who worked tirelessly to ensure that all who attended Saturday’s events felt at home,” said Robert Accordino, Executive Director, Music for Autism.

About Music for Autism

Music for Autism improves the quality of life of and access to education for individuals with autism. The five year-old charity, based in both the UK and the US, helps to fill a major psychosocial void through the “autism-friendly,” interactive concerts it sponsors. All events are inclusive and allow those with autism and their families to enjoy professionally preformed, high quality music. In addition to its interactive programming, M4A hosts fundraising concerts to support schools and works with the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center of Mount Sinai Medical Center to better screen for autism in underprivileged areas.

Music For Autism (M4A), a charity that originated in the UK, has successfully launched a partnership with the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center (MSAHC). The Center, located at 312 E. 94th Street, New York City, is the largest adolescent health center in the United States and will be the first home of Music for Autism and its interactive concerts for those with autism in the U.S.

During the fall, several interactive, professionally performed concerts will be held in the Center's gymnasium, providing a unique experience for the New York community. The partnership allows M4A to help fill a major psychosocial void faced by the many families touched by autism spectrum disorders.

To kick off the combined work of M4A and the MSAHC, a celebratory day of music took place on Thursday, October 4, for all patients at the Center. This was the first public performance, featuring several musicians who will return to the Center as volunteers at autism friendly, interactive concerts in the future. The musicians featured on October 4th were: Charity Wicks (piano), who is currently one of the pianists of Spring Awakening on Broadway; Ryan Gardner (trumpet); Jessica Lee (violin), who is a Concert Artists Guild musician; Alexandra Snyder (cello), who is a member of the Junior Board of Directors of M4A; Tanya Bannister (piano), who is a Concert Artists Guild musician, Serena Chin (piano); Lauren Thomas (soprano); and Stephen Buck (piano). The first of the autism friendly concerts will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Charity Wicks and Ryan Gardner will perform.

To facilitate the concerts, a piano was generously donated to M4A by Karen Ryan. In turn, the piano was donated to the MSAHC for M4A concerts and other musical programming at the Center.

"These families can now attend a high quality performance in a safe, comforting environment geared to their needs, enabling those with autism to experience music in their own terms," said Robert Accordino, Executive Director, Music for Autism, and medical student at Mt. Sinai.

M4A and the Center will also work together to improve screening for high functioning autism in the Center's primary and mental health care populations and recruit those with autism from lower socioeconomic areas of New York City to access the Center's free medical and mental health services.

"By having the M4A concerts at the Center, those with autism who attend may feel more comfortable there and thus be more likely to come back to the Center for care," said Accordino. "For years, researchers believed that autism discriminated on socioeconomic status. We now know that this antiquated finding was purely an artifact of how autism is diagnosed and who is most likely to receive services. M4A and the MSAHC will work to address the disparities associated with this equal opportunity disorder. It is a tremendous honor to be able to work with Dr. Angela Diaz and the terrific staff at the MSAHC on our combined work."

Earlier this year, Dr. Angela Diaz became a board member of M4A in the U.S., and is chairing the board's sub-committee on equality of service provisions.

About the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center

The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center was established in 1968 as the first primary care program in New York specifically designed for the health needs of adolescents. The Center provides confidential comprehensive medical, mental health, family planning, and health education services to young people between the ages of 10-21. The mission of the Center is to help each adolescent grow up happy, healthy, and well-educated – with hopes and opportunities for the future – by preventing disease and promoting health.

Joshua Stein and Scott Moerdler spent the summer before their senior years of college as Music for Autism’s (M4A) first summer interns. Joshua and Scott accomplished a tremendous amount for the organization during the summer months while working closely with M4A’s co-founder, Robert Accordino.

“At the conclusion a job well done, we invited Joshua and Scott to join our Junior Board of Directors,” said Robert. “We are delighted that they both accepted our offer to remain an active part of the Music for Autism family.”

Joshua is currently a senior at Amherst College. Scott is a senior at Brandeis College. Both students attended Mt. Sinai School of Medicine during the summer of 2007 as part of the Humanities and Medicine Program, and will gain early acceptance to the medical school after they graduate from college.

New York, NY – Music for Autism (M4A) has partnered with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a leading Washington, DC-based law firm. Under the guidance of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, M4A has undertaken its incorporation in the United States and the process of filing for a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt donation status, which was accepted in October.

This status will allow all M4A current and future donors to use their donation as a tax deduction to the fullest extent prescribed by law. M4A's sponsors have been instrumental in establishing the charity in the United States. M4A's first fundraiser concert in the United States will take place this Fall in Princeton, New Jersey.

The team at Steptoe & Johnson LLP consists of John Jacobus, Partner, Catherine Wilkinson, CPA, Keith Sieverding, Associate, Neena Chegu, Associate, and Donna Guihon, Senior Paralegal Specialist.

Robert Accordino, M4A's Co-Founder and Executive Director, expressed his gratitude to the phenomenal team at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, "We have been greatly moved by the devotion to and interest in Music for Autism that those at Steptoe & Johnson LLP continue to exhibit," he said. "We could not be happier with their work for us and their level of professionalism and extraordinary pro bono support."

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP

With more than 450 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London and Brussels.

Music for Autism (M4A) recently celebrated its fifth year anniversary with the opening of a Music for Autism-sponsored music room at Thomley Hall, an interactive center for children with special needs in the UK, and the beginning of expansion to the United States.

M4A has staged over 60 interactive and fund-raising concerts across the UK since its beginning in 2002. Notable classical musicians including Dame Felicity Lott, Sir James Galway, and Steven Isserlis have performed to help fundraise for the charity.

The donation to Thomley Hall, just outside of Oxford, established a music-specific classroom on the campus. The room – a free-standing, wheel chair accessible building on Thomley's campus – allows visitors to express themselves through music and is open to school groups that visit Thomley Hall. The music classroom was furnished with pianos, keyboards, and percussion instruments for its visitors and their teachers, therapists, and parents.

The charity, originally conceived by John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, began out of an idea to impact the lives of individuals with autism through music. Lubbock and Cairns' son, Alexander, was diagnosed with autism, and their hope was to create an organization to benefit individuals like Alexander.

In January 2007, Cherie Blair, wife of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, recognized the charity's extensive growth at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street. At the event Mrs. Blair said, "We should celebrate these individuals for what they can do as opposed to what they cannot."

M4A launched its U.S. programming in the summer of 2007. Robert Accordino, a co-founder of M4A along with Lubbock and Cairns, serves as U.S. executive director. M4A has partnered with the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City to operate its charter programming.

A day of concerts at Prior's Court School and the Castle School enabled pupils to experience professionally performed classical music in a relaxed environment and participate with great enthusiasm. Performed by musicians from the Orchestra of St. John's (OSJ). the concerts were organised by conductor John Lubbock as part of the Newbury Spring Festival and funded by the St James' Place Foundation.

For the autistic pupils at Prior's Court School, being able to engage with the music by dancing, jumping or relaxing without the difficulties which a large auditorium and audience would bring was a major experience. Pupils varied in their response. While some enjoyed getting as close as possible to the musicians, others were content to relax peacefully.

“Sitting still for the half-hour concert was a very significant achievement for some pupils,” said the head of school Sarah Sherwood. “And seeing others move around the school theatre independently, absorbed, dancing with staff and interacting with the musicians, shows the level to which they were motivated by the music.” For the staff too, being able to observe the pupils enjoying the music, behaving appropriately in a social setting, made it a very special.

The concerts on Friday were provided by Music for Autism, a group of musicians from the OSJ led by conductor John Lubbock. Three half-hour concerts gave half the school the opportunity to enjoy the event in small groups, essential for the autistic pupils at the school. Chairs and bean bags were scattered around the main hall of the school and the quintet played, not from the stage, but as part of the assembled audience of pupils, staff and parents. The music included light, lively dances (a rumba, hornpipe and. others) and some more peaceful, calming pieces. A second concert in May, during the Spring Festival, will enable the rest of the pupils to participate and, weather permitting, include a picnic with pupils from the Castle School.

Prior's Court School, based in Hermitage, is a co-educational residential and day school for children aged between five and 19, diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum, who have severe learning difficulties. The school is one of the foremost providers of autistic-specific education and care in the country. Its chief executive and principal Robert Hubbard was recently appointed the OBE for his services to special needs education and is a renowned expert in the field.

“We were delighted that, thanks to John Lubbock's generosity and that of St James' Place, our pupils were able to enjoy and participate in a wonderful concert and to be part of the community through the Spring Festival,” said Mr Hubbard.

Before moving on to Priors Court for the afternoon performances John Lubbock and the OSJ musicians performed a morning concert for pupils at Castle School, Donnington. The morning went “really well” according to the school's assistant music coordinator Ali Watkinson, with most of the school attending either the rehearsal, where the school hall was accessible to any pupils and staff who wished to drop in and listen for a short time, or the 45-minute concert, where pupils were seated in a more formal arrangement as they would if they were going to a venue elsewhere. “This enabled all our students who have a wide range of learning disabilities to access and enjoy the event at their own level.” said Mrs Watkinson.

“The five wind musicians from the OSJ played different types of dance music from a waltz to a bolero.” For the final number the five musicians were accompanied by 94 percussionists, with every student joining in for a rousing finale. “Three of our students. Luke Matthews, Richard Smith and Carol Watson are at present working towards their Bronze Arts award, which is an accredited scheme enabling students to gain a qualification just above entry level in any area of the arts that they wish to explore. One section of this award focuses on attending a performance and meeting performers. These students hosted the event brilliantly and worked hard setting up the hall interviewing the musicians and serving food and drinks.”

Cherie Booth, QC, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, honoured Music for Autism for its service to individuals with autism and their families at a champagne reception held at 10 Downing Street on January 30, 2007. The 40 guests at the reception, who have all been intimately involved with Music for Autism in the United Kingdom, included the charity’s founders, board members, generous donors, and friends. Ms. Booth has made a tradition of these receptions at Downing Street to honour the work of charitable organizations such as Music for Autism.

“We are delighted that Ms. Booth has taken such an interest in our charity and has honoured us in this way,” said Music for Autism founder John Lubbock.

Ms. Booth and guests of Music for Autism were treated to musical selections performed by Derek Paravicini, an extraordinarily talented pianist who is blind with severe learning difficulties. Paravicini took requests from the audience, and was accompanied by his family and long-time teacher, Dr. Adam Ockelford, Director of Rushton School and Children’s Home at the Royal National Institute of the Blind. The audience was very impressed by Paravicini’s exceptional talent. No stranger to the stage and performance, Paravicini, 27, has been widely covered in the media, including features by the BBC and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom and CBS’s “60 Minutes” and the Discovery Channel in the United States. Prior to the reception, Ms. Booth enjoyed a private concert with Paravicini and Christine Cairns, a mezzo soprano and Music for Autism founder.

After individually greeting all of her guests, Ms. Booth described her special connection to Music for Autism. “The work of this charity touches upon two of my great passions: music and supporting individuals with autism,” she said. She empathetically and emotionally said, “I have witnessed first hand the challenges and pleasures of raising a child with autism. I applaud the work of this charity for not only focusing on young children with autism, but also aiming to improve the lives of young adults with autism through its work at Thomley Hall.” (Music for Autism has generously donated to create a music room at Thomley Hall, which is a college for individuals with autism and is located near Thame.)

Ms. Booth spoke of her love of music, noting that her children often complain of loud singing in church. She also told a story about a visit to China with Prime Minister Blair when he was asked if he was a Beatles fan. When he replied that he was indeed a fan, he was asked to sing a song by the group. Upon declining, he stated that his wife would love to perform, and she sang a solo of “When I’m 64.”

She explained why she greatly values the goals of Music for Autism. “I applaud you for enabling children with autism the ability to experience quality music — something that we should all be able to experience — and for giving them the opportunity to listen to music in an environment where no one will be embarrassed.”

She noted that “the point of this reception is to say ‘thank you’ and to encourage you to continue doing what you have been doing even more.”

Ms. Booth concluded by encapsulating the essence of Music for Autism, which tries to emphasize the positive aspects and strengths of these special individuals on the autism spectrum. “We should celebrate these young people for what they can do as opposed to what they cannot,” she said. “Such a notion is near to my heart.”

As her speech came to a close, Paravicini led Ms. Booth into an encore performance of “When I’m 64,” accompanied by the entire audience.

“During this joyful evening, I was moved, greatly humbled, and tremendously inspired,” said Robert Accordino, Music for Autism co-founder, “It is a night I will not soon forget.”

Following the concert and reception with Ms. Booth, guests were given a tour of 10 Downing Street including the State Rooms, State Dining Rooms and the Cabinet Room.

Christine Cairns, Music for Autism founder, summed up what all of the reception guests felt at the conclusion of the evening, “Ms. Booth’s unscripted speech was straight from the heart. She was so sincere, and we are all so grateful for her honouring our charity.”

On Sunday October 29th at 7:30pm, the St. James Singers (photo on the left) and local folk band, Pandemonium (photo on the right, below) will present a musical evening of entertainment at St. John Vianney Church, Wantage. The aim of the evening is to raise funds for Music for Autism.

St. James Singers and Pandemonium are two local musical groups based in Wantage. This exciting joint venture arose from the work of Mike Jones and Adrian Boorman of SJS and Carol Warren-Smith of Pandemonium. They aimed to organize a concert to raise funds for a music-centered charity and Music for Autism was lucky enough to be the charity chosen. This is the second concert arranged by Adrian, who raised £10,000 for Music for Autism in October, 2005 for his 50th Birthday Concert.

Entitled Folk Across the Water, the concert will feature a wide selection of songs and music from the folk tradition. SJS is a versatile a cappella male vocal ensemble and will perform folk music from the US and UK spanning 800 years. Pandemonium will provide a taste of traditional folk music and song from all over the British Isles.

Music for Autism supports special interactive concerts, specifically designed for individuals with autism and their families. These concerts are unique because they allow individuals with autism to experience high quality classical music in an environment designed to make them feel comfortable. All money donated to this charity goes directly to specific projects to help children with disabilities.

In addition to funding the concerts, Music for Autism supports special units for children with autism, inside schools for typically developing children in Oxfordshire, through music education programs and equipment grants.

Interval refreshments will be available and a raffle will be held, with many valuable prizes kindly donated by local businesses.

Download the concert flyer

On January 1, 2006, Music for Autism launched its website. AgencyNet, an Emmy Award winning strategic interactive communications firm, donated its time to Music for Autism in creating the site as its pro bono project of 2005.

“It is our hope that the website for our charity will enable us to expand and enrich our mission of improving the quality of life for those on the autism spectrum. We will update the site often with news and information on upcoming interactive concerts for children with disabilities and fund-raising concerts,” said Music for Autism co-founder, Robert Accordino.

“We are sincerely grateful to Rich Lent and all the talented individuals at AgencyNet for contributing their time and energy to making our site warm and memorable and representative of our charity and its goals. We are also grateful to Lisa Splitlog for her work on the copy deck and to Alasdair Reay, our extraordinary web master,” added John and Christine Lubbock, Music for Autism founders.

Another in the highly successful series of Music for Autism lunchtime concerts was held on 30 March 2006 in the inspirational setting of Dorchester Abbey, Oxfordshire.

Attended by over 50 young people with autism and their supporters from around the county the audience was treated to an hour long feast of high quality music led by John Lubbock, Artistic Director of OSJ and a founding member of the charity. A superb brass quintet made up of members of John’s orchestra gave an entertaining and eclectic performance of pieces ranging from Greig to Gershwin and including Bach’s Air on a G string played by virtuoso trumpet no less!

No one present could possibly have doubted the power of music to reach into the soul, sometimes to soothe, oft times to excite as evidenced at the end when, armed with a variety of percussion instruments, the audience was invited to shake, bang, rattle and clap along. As if invitation was needed?! Never has the Abbey resounded to so many great kids doing what they do best – letting their hair down and having fun!
These concerts are repeated every term. For further information see elsewhere on this site or contact us for details. Why not come along to the next one and help support Music for Autisim? Admission is free and you’re guaranteed an exhausting and memorable day out!

To celebrate his 50th birthday, countertenor Adrian Boorman had a novel idea: raising money for Music for Autism. His efforts led to the “Wayfaring Stranger” fundraising concert held in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, Oxford, England, on Oct. 9, 2005, that attracted an audience of 150 and raised £10,000 for the charity.

Photo, right: Adrian Boorman presents check to John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, Founders of Music for Autism, with actress Susan Hampshire.

There was something for everyone at the eclectic concert, from baroque to pop, romantic to folksong and jazz. Sharing their musical talents during the special evening were mezzo soprano Christine Cairnes (Music for Autism founder); pianist John Lubbock (Music for Autism founder and Artistic Director of the Orchestra of St. John’s); countertenor Nicholas Clapton; countertenor Adrian Boorman; pianist Duncan Honeybourne; cellist Joe Littlewood; mezzo soprano Annabel Molyneaux; organist and harpsichordist Malcolm Pearce; pianist Lynette Stulting; baritone Graham Trew; jazz vocalist and pianist Olly Wedgwood; and St. James Singers, the a cappella ensemble. The evening also included readings and remarks by actress Susan Hampshire, along with John Lubbock and Adrian Boorman.

Adrian's idea to contribute to Music for Autism began when he met John and Christine Lubbock, and Alexander, their son with autism. Christine has been Adrian’s voice teacher for several years, and Adrian and Alexander often have the opportunity to interact. “Though Alexander and I are two very different people, from different generations and with different skill sets, I am constantly reminded ofthe remarkable similarities between our journeys,” said Adrian. “We both struggle with the trials and tribulations of life -- with big highs and equally big lows. We both suffer from the frustration of wanting so very much to do, but often not quite being able to. We both are so reliant on our mentors to keep us on the straight and narrow and to pick us up and dust us down when we fall. We both draw strength from the love, support and commitment of those closest to us.”

He added, “I guess we are both wayfaring strangers. Neither of our journeys will have an end – only more faltering steps along a bumpy road. I used to think that crossing the finishing line as the winner was important. It’s taken 50 years, but now I realise it’s having the courage to enter the race at all, to hang on -- often against the odds -- to compete at one’s own level for its own sake, which is the true fulfilment of our self. I am deeply touched by the generosity of so many of my friends who gave freely of their time and talents to perform at the fundraising concert.”

“Music for Autism expresses enormous thanks to Adrian for organizing such a memorable evening of music, and for his most generous donation of the fundraising from the concert,” said John and Christine Lubbock, Music for Autism founders.