Dysmusia? Making A Stand! At tes SEND Show 2024

Kevin M & Sally M Thomson - The Dynamic Dysmusic Dyslexic Duo - are taking a bold stand at the tes SEND Show 2024. Their mission is to address the widespread unawareness and significant impact of Dysmusia, a condition that has remained largely hidden from SEND experts, let alone public consciousness.

 The 98% “Never Heard Of It!” Startling Findings

In 2023, our face-to-face survey of SEND exhibitors at the tes SEND Show revealed that a staggering 98% had never heard of Dysmusia. Initially identified in 2000 by neurologist Dr. Neil Gordon, Dysmusia was likened to ‘musical dyslexia,’ affecting music perception and production in a manner similar to how dyslexia affects reading. However, recent neuroscience on music making and social neuroscience of music making tells a different story. Music involves whole-brain activity, impacting any SEND-based issues including dyslexia (sight reading), dyscalculia (intervals, tab, and chord progression numerals), and ADHD (attention span with black-and-white sheet music). Additional co-morbidity issues like Meares-Irlen Syndrome create what Kevin reveals as the ‘Inner Circle of Dys’—the 20% of the global SEND population.

Kevin's YouGov Survey of Musical Wellbeing revealed that music making's complexity also impacts those who have either ‘never tried’ or ‘given up,’ estimated at 90% by ABRSM. Using a Wiktionary definition of the word ‘dys,’ Kevin analyzed the YouGov findings to create an ‘Outer Circle of Dys.’ Despite its significant impact on 20% + 90%, Dysmusia has not received the attention it deserves—from SEND specialists or the world of education and wellness policy-making.

 The Birth of the Dysmusia Foundation

In response to the survey, Kevin and Sally established the Dysmusia Foundation. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness about Dysmusia and providing resources and support for those affected. The Foundation aims to revolutionize music education by integrating innovative teaching methods that cater to neurodiverse individuals.

 The Dysmusia Foundation Timeline

The Dysmusia Foundation's journey will be showcased on the stand banners at the tes SEND Show 2024, highlighting key milestones and future goals, including the ambitious MoMMii 2026 event. This Millennium of Music Making Innovation & Inclusivity aims to bring together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to create a more inclusive world for all.

 Key Initiatives

1. Building Wellsicians with Wellsicians.io: A platform dedicated to fostering well-being through music making, leveraging the latest neuroscience research.

2. Growing Sensicians with the LearnWorlds Academy of EmojiPhonics: An innovative educational platform that uses emojis and phonics to make music education accessible and engaging for everyone, especially those with learning difficulties.

 The Economic and Global Impact

The Dysmusia Foundation's work is not only about improving individual lives but also about making a significant economic and global impact. Using AI analysis based on the current 11 Wellness Sectors of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), there’s a potential $4Bn opportunity and a potential $1Tn global wellness impact in addressing Dysmusia and promoting music making well-being.

 5 Key Concepts of Music Making Well-Beings

1. Wellenomics: The economic and wellness benefits derived from integrating music making into everyday life.

2. Global Scales of Dysmusia: A comprehensive study revealing the true extent and impact of Dysmusia worldwide.

3. EmojiPhonics: A revolutionary approach to music education that uses emojis to simplify learning and make it more accessible.

4. Building Wellsicians (the 100%) and Growing Sensicians (the 20%): Impacted by the Circle of Dys’.

5. Defining a new Music Making System SEND20% (Sensory Education Needs & Difficulties) + SEND100% (Sensory Experience Natures & Diversities).

 Partner Pitch

The Dysmusia Foundation is actively seeking partners to join their mission. By collaborating with educational institutions, technology providers, and wellness organizations, they aim to create a robust support system for individuals with Dysmusia and other music making and learning differences. Potential partners will have the opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking initiative that promises both social and economic benefits.

 In Conclusion

Kevin and Sally M Thomson's commitment to addressing Dysmusia is paving the way for a new era in music education and well-being. Their work with the Dysmusia Foundation and the upcoming initiatives at the tes SEND Show 2024 mark the beginning of a transformative journey. With the potential to impact millions of lives and generate significant social, wellness, and economic benefits, their efforts are set to make a lasting difference.

Join The Dynamic Dysmusic Dyslexic Duo at the tes SEND Show 2024 and be part of the revolution. Together, we can build a world where music making well-being is accessible to all.