Music & Synesthesia: Experiencing Colourful Sounds – An Australian Story

The Vibrant World of Synesthesia: From Childhood ​Bullying⁢ to Embracing ‌a Neurodiversity Superpower

For some, sound isn’t just ⁤ heard – it’s seen.This is the reality for⁣ individuals with synesthesia, a ​fascinating neurological phenomenon where stimulation⁤ of one sense ​involuntarily triggers⁣ experiences in another. As a‌ professional musician ⁢and someone who experiences chromesthesia (seeing colors with⁢ sounds), I understand this intimately. My ⁢journey,⁤ though,⁣ wasn’t always one​ of acceptance. It⁢ began with tears‌ in a school band and a painful ‍label of “weird.”

A Lifelong ⁣Sensory Interplay

My synesthesia manifests as vivid colors⁣ linked to‍ musical notes and timbres. Playing ⁢music isn’t simply an auditory experience for me; it’s a‌ breathtaking ‍visual spectacle.I vividly recall a ⁤moment in my youth,‍ performing in a brass⁢ band, where the music evoked such intense beauty it brought me to tears. ‍Unfortunately, that vulnerability was met with ridicule.

This ​early ⁢experience silenced me for over ⁣two decades. It’s a common⁢ story. Many⁣ synesthetes learn ⁣to hide their experiences, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. Yet,⁢ music ‌remained my sanctuary. Performing,ironically,became a haven from ⁤ anxiety,a stark contrast to the anxieties ‍I felt in everyday social situations. The collective flow ⁣of an orchestra – ⁣the BBC Symphony orchestra and the Adelaide Symphony orchestra, among others – felt like pure ecstasy.

Reframing Synesthesia: From Burden ⁣to Gift

It took a period of professional ⁤burnout and the guidance of a mental health specialist ⁣to finally⁤ reframe my synesthesia.⁢ I‍ realized it wasn’t a flaw, but a unique gift.this realization sparked a desire to advocate for others, notably young ‍people who might be experiencing similar feelings of isolation. I wanted to help ‌those eight-year-olds who might be‌ afraid to share their experiences.

Now,I’m dedicated to raising awareness and ‍normalizing neurodiversity⁣ through several avenues:

* ​ Primary School programs: ⁢ ⁢I’ve developed a curriculum designed ⁤to celebrate differences and foster understanding of neurological variations.
* Improvised sound Baths: ⁣my album of nature-based ‌sound ⁤baths aims to ⁣promote awareness of neurodivergence and the power of sensory exploration. Improvisation is key,as it consistently surprises my ‍brain and amplifies‌ my synesthetic experiences.
* Historical Research: I’m ⁤currently researching the life and work⁤ of Miriam ⁤Hyde, a 20th-century Australian composer⁣ who also possessed auditory-visual synesthesia. Her struggles‌ with‌ sensory overload and intense focus ⁢resonate deeply with ⁣my own experiences.

Building a Supportive​ Future‌ for Synesthetes

Hyde’s story, and her late-in-life flourishing, inspires me to ‌consider how we can better ⁢support neurodiverse⁢ individuals. I’m exploring ideas like:

* ⁢ Neurodiversity-Pleasant Concerts: Events with⁤ reduced bright lights‍ and minimized waiting times to create a more pleasant environment.
* Online community: ⁢A dedicated online space⁢ for synesthetes to ⁤connect, share experiences, and ⁢find‌ support.

We need to ​actively encourage synesthetes to thrive, ‌especially in educational settings. They ⁢are the⁢ future innovators, the artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and Miriam Hyde, who ‍will shape‍ our world with their unique perspectives.

Synesthesia: A Celebration​ of Human⁣ Variation

Synesthesia isn’t a disorder to be “fixed.” It’s⁢ a natural variation in human perception – a‌ form of ⁤neurodiversity that deserves to be celebrated. It’s a​ superpower waiting to be unlocked. I only ⁤wish I had understood that sooner.

If you experience synesthesia, know that you are not alone. Your ⁢unique way​ of ‌perceiving​ the world is valuable, and it has‌ the potential to​ enrich⁢ your life and the lives of others.⁢ Embrace your sensory gifts, and let⁣ your vibrant inner‌ world ‍shine.

Resources:

* ⁤ American Synesthesia association

* Synesthesia ​UK