Jazz Hands | On Music and Healing

Autism is, rather accurately, described by the young behavioural interventionist, Noddy Nweke, as “esoteric”, because although the neurodevelopmental disorder is known by the general public, it is still viewed as mysterious. “It is understood by few, and I guess I'm one of those people who seeks to understand it as much as possible”, she explains. But regardless of what you think you know-and what you most likely don’t-Noddy is providing you an opportunity to constructively help people on the autism spectrum through an event called Jazz Hands.

The First of the Jazz Hands Series in May 2014

Speaking on the inspiration behind what looks to be an exceptional series, she says: “the concept came to me when I met an individual named Ruben, while I was shadowing one of my colleagues at work. That day, they happened to have music class and Ruben made his way to the piano and began playing and singing some popular songs. He got the attention of the whole class and they joined him in singing. At that moment I thought, ‘why doesn't he have a place to display this talent?’ I decided that day, with the encouragement of my colleague Mikal, to start a program where talented individuals like Ruben could be seen and heard.”

There is no shortage of musically talented individuals in the world. Yet Noddy chose to focus her efforts on individuals on the autism spectrum, fulfilling a passion she has nurtured for over three years. “I had been searching for a way to combine autism and music. Music is incredibly powerful, yet undermined as a means of communication, therapy, etc. Music can move; music can heal; music can bridge gaps; music is a universal language.” The merger of music with autism was no happy accident. Although using music comes naturally to Noddy, who is a self-taught pianist and clarinet player, and has been writing and singing since childhood, she thoroughly researched the connection between autism and music before making her choice. “I have done a lot of personal research on the topic which has shown me that many individuals with autism have an overwhelmingly positive reaction to music.”

Credit Where Credit is Due: An Emotional Noddy During May's Jazz Hands Concert 

The first instalment of Jazz Hands happened earlier in May of this year. Reeling from the success of the first event, she met with her team and decided to produce Jazz Hands on a quarterly basis as part of a concert series. Part two will be here on September 13th 2014 from 2pm-4pm at the Electric Lodge in Venice, CA. “I'm very big on feelings, and it just feels like the right thing to do, honestly”, she says about her quick fire decision which was made easier by the unexpected and overwhelming response. “It literally brings tears to my eyes. I've received so much support from so many people. It's staggering. People are willing to donate their time to this project? That means so much to me because time is a very valuable and irretrievable entity”.

With one successful event under her belt, the entire journey has undoubtedly been an enjoyable experience and Noddy is ready to see things evolve steadily. “This process teaches me so many valuable lessons in discipline, planning and execution. The end result is elating, to see all the performers so happy and expressive on a stage that may previously have been unavailable to them. I have really big plans for Jazz Hands and the Jazz Hands Concert Series”.  Noddy plans to further expand the concert series by incorporating a consultation and socialisation aspect, among other things. “So stay tuned to find out!”

And remember to save the date.