ABOUT US
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Partnering with Autism Music Australia, academic experts, and industry professionals, the Australian Music School for Autism and Special Interest Learning was created to cater for everyone, no matter where they are on the spectrum or what special interest learning requirements they may need.
Our personalised approach ensures we can provide all the options to help you choose the perfect musical learning direction for your child, adult or client.
The Autism Music Australia initiative is a fantastic community to be involved in.
FACULTY
Jay Hoad
HEAD OF FACULTY
Award-winning musician, teacher, author and mentor Jay Hoad is one of the primary founders of Autism Music Australia and the Australian Music School for Autism and Special Interest Learning.
His passion and commitment to teaching music whilst building self-confidence and inspiring limitless self-belief is second to none.
Jay has been monumental in developing and implementing our unique colour-coded systems that are used throughout the majority of our programs.
His experience in teaching over 10,000 students at schools and universities worldwide, as well as now lecturing online in over 20 countries weekly, has shaped much of what we do here at the Australian Music School for Autism and Special Interest Learning.
Belinda McKnoulty
ONBOARDING & FUNDING ALLOCATION
Belinda is a passionate mother of four, each with their own unique diagnoses, whose journey has fuelled her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all children.
With over 15 years of experience in alternative therapies, she left the corporate world to focus on fostering an environment where every child, regardless of their background or abilities, feels valued and supported.
Belinda’s vision is to provide unwavering assistance without discrimination, welcoming families whether they are part of the NDIS or facing financial challenges.
Belinda champions the belief that seeking help is a positive and empowering choice, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and accepting atmosphere.
Christine Wolff
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT & LOGISTICS
Chrissy is a dedicated and passionate professional in the field of mental health and wellbeing, with extensive experience supporting organisations, communities, and schools in fostering a culture of care and enhancing the overall wellbeing of individuals.
She specialised in creating environments where people can thrive, both personally and collectively.
At The Autism Music Australia, her expertise is centered on amplifying the unique opportunity to enrich lives through the transformative power of music, making a meaningful impact, and contributing to the growth and happiness of others.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
It's our reason for being
The Australian Music School for Autism (AMSA) is Australia’s first and only creative institute entirely dedicated to specialised music programs created for uniquely gifted children and adults in the spectrum and beyond.
Established in 2004, AMSA has over 20 years of experience teaching students the tools and knowledge that can assist and inspire them to begin playing, creating, and enjoying music and their instruments.
Every day, we see first-hand how playing music provides a sense of peace, focus and presence, often allowing children to calm their minds whilst completely immersing themselves in the moment without distraction.
A NEW WAY TO PLAY MUSIC
A Unique Colour Coded System
Our revolutionary colour-coded system adds a whole new dimension to music learning and gives kids a powerful advantage as they begin their music learning journey.
Think of our colour-coded system as training wheels on a bike. Without them, many people would never learn to ride.
This colour-coded system provides a whole new visual trigger designed to speed up the development of the fine motor skills necessary to play music easily and correctly on their chosen instrument.
Every Achievement is Celebrated
We believe every achievement is a HUGE SUCCESS to be CELEBRATED!
Although learning music is what it is all about, for us, it comes second to making your child feel like they are able to achieve anything in this life.
It could be the simpler things like hitting their hand on a drum for two beats in a row or being able to confidently find the middle C on a piano.
Or more tricky things, such as playing Fur Elise by Beethoven, the guitar solo of Sweet Child o Mine, or the latest Tailor Swift or Ed Sheeran song, it is all celebrated equally by our teachers.
We consistently focus on building exceptional confidence and having stupid amounts of fun throughout our time together.
Breaking Definitions Whilst Providing Positive Affirmations
Once you join any of our programs, you will no longer hear definitions such as Autistic, ADHD, ADD, Dyslexic, etc.
You will hear phrases such as uniquely gifted, incredibly talented, you are such a quick learner, you did that so quickly, I love how you interpreted that and did it in your way, etc.
All delivered with excitement, positivity, presence and confidence, creating a special, safe, trustable space that is fun and exciting.
Here, anything is possible.
Customer Reviews
Learning with Jay and the Australian School of Music for Autism and Special Interest Learning has been an absolute game-changer for my children's musical growth, self-development, and self-confidence.
I cannot express how grateful I am for the incredible impact these online courses have had on my kids.
After the courses, they both went on to one-on-one teachers, whom they love and will continue with for many years to come.
Jay's commitment to his students is unparalleled. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that my kids feel they are in a safe and trustable environment to thrive.
His ability to provide constructive feedback while nurturing their creativity and unique gifts has been instrumental.
Judy Neisha
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
These courses are incredible!
The encouragement and support provided in each course instilled a newfound sense of confidence and self-belief that went on to shape many area's of my child's journey.
The lessons are always so much fun. Each lesson in taught with a gentle, nurturing energy, filled with inspiration, accountability and rewards for perseverance.
The way Jay and Autism Music Australia created these courses to embrace each child's unique skill sets no matter where they are at is like nothing I have ever seen.
My child loves the weekly online group jam sessions with Jay; they are the highlight of his week.
He says: "I always learn heaps and have an awesome time with all the other kids. We do something new each week, and I hear and play music I have never heard before. Jay is the best teacher in the world! When I grow up, I want to be like him."
Sharon Jonas
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
If all your child ever does musically is a few of these lessons and follow's along with what is shared, they will get really good really quickly.
The courses are incredible, and these weekly live session keep my kids extra motivated to play music each week and continue with their musical growth.
Sometimes, they play drums or pots and pans, sometimes they play guitar or piano, it just depends how they feel.
They love that they get to choose their instruments each week just play.
And best of all, I get 45 minutes to myself whilst the kids are being looked after, best baby sitter ever!
Thank you Jay and team, you guys are all incredible teachers and so kind and supportive with my kids.
Eternally grateful.
Max Campbell
MT ISA, QUEENSLAND
Specialised music programs for uniquely gifted children & adults
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