Concerts offer a sensory-friendly music experience
A series of concerts for people who experience sensory issues are being held at Scotland’s oldest concert venue.
The events aim to create a welcoming and accessible environment for those who find traditional concert settings challenging.
Live music performances can create a sensory overload for some autistic and neurodivergent people, with loud sounds and changes to lighting being particularly stressful.
The ‘Quiet Concerts’ have been designed to address these sensory sensitivities and include modifications to the traditional concert set-up to allow attendees to fully immerse themselves in the musical experience.
Lower sound levels and quieter applause will ensure that audience members can enjoy the music without being overwhelmed by excessive noise.
Sensory-friendly
While taking on many elements similar to Relaxed Performances, the Quiet Concert series offers a calm, low noise space for audiences to enjoy music; this is sometimes called a chilled or sensory-friendly performance.
Other adjustments include subdued lighting, shorter performance times, regular breaks and a separate ‘chill-out’ room.
The venue will also be equipped with sensory-friendly amenities, with rugs, cushions and benches and chairs available so that attendees can sit how they’d prefer.
This series is a great addition to the live music scene in Edinburgh. At this time of year, many pantomimes offer relaxed or chilled performances for neurodiverse audiences to enjoy, but it's harder to find concert experiences aimed at autistic people and their families. By making some key adjustments, more people can encounter the magic of live music.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy live music in shared spaces. It’s important that we can create events where we celebrate musical talent while also making the experience more inclusive for the diverse needs of our audiences.
Quiet Concerts will take place at St Cecilia’s Hall on Saturday 16th December 2023 and Saturday 13th January 2024.