Aspies For Freedom

Hi,

I have been studying classical music since the age on 9 and I have a degree in music and a MA in composition.

My main interests are composing modernist classical music and experimental electronic music.

I am in England (South East) and I would like to make some progress with my music. I'm going to try and enter compeitions like those advertised on http://www.spnm.org.uk

I also have a bit of an interest in rock music. The problem is that when I tried to get involved in the music scene in my local area, I quickly got rejected by people because they were all the 'cool' people and I was considered to be 'odd' because of my AS. I also find it hard to go out to gigs and networking events and parties etc because I have anxiety.

Does anyone have any ideas of how I can make some progress with my music and meet like minded people who are serious about music and production and sound engineering and composing etc. but who won't reject me for not being one of the 'cool' people?

Also, what do you do if you can't go out because of anxiety? Going to gigs is only something I can do very occasionally and only with certain people that I trust and that understand about my AS and anxiety - but only a few such people exist?

What can I do? I've always wanted a career in music and I've worked hard towards this since I was 9 years old. I am now losing out purely because I'm not one of the 'cool' people and because my health issues mean I can't really go out.

What do I do? Please help.

I've been composing electronic music for the best part of 15 years - you can check out two of my tracks on my official MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/electricdragonmusic

My advice is just go for it - if you like doing it, there's no stopping you. I prefer to be more of a backroom musician though.

Are there careers advisors at the place where you got your degree?

Hi Aliengirl

Anxiety is a normal part of the human Psyche. It only becomes a disorder when it is disproportional and stops us from doing things. Many AS people experience heightened states of Anxiety, possibly as a result of not being understood by NT's, as your post suggests. My advice would be to look for someone who can help to teach you techniques for lowering your state of Anxiety. I would not consider medication for this unless you had tried many other techniques and it was still having a high negative impact on your life, luckily most people can learn plenty of techniques to lower Anxiety.

If you're in to this sort of thing, you may like to try some meditation ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditation ) it does not have to be spiritual for you if you don't want it to be. I also recommend tapping pressure points gently to release endorphins whilst breathing deep and slow for oxygen before any performance.

If people do not want to be with you because they do not think you're cool, then it's their loss. Finally I wish you the best of luck with your future.

Aliengirl - if your university's careers advisors aren't particularly knowledgeable about music, would you be able to consult the careers services at one of the conservatoires?
When I was a recent graduate (i.e. late '90s) there was a much trumped-up so-called "Mutual Aid Scheme" whereby graduates of any university could use the careers services at any other university. What wasn't explicitly mentioned, however, was that the University of London disregarded this scheme and charged AN Other graduates to use their services.
I don't know whether the conservatoires are signed up to the Mutual Aid Scheme, if indeed it still exists.