Music education, especially for youngsters with special needs, is close to the heart of Emma Stumpf.
Stumpf, a music education major at Bowling Green State University, has developed a community event
specifically for children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or other processing disorders.
The event, titled A Sensory-Friendly Musicking Experience, will be Saturday at the BGSU Wolfe Center for
the Arts. This is Stumpf’s honors project.
Registration has been extended until 5 p.m. Friday.
Her interest in autism stemmed from a cousin, making her realize that students with sensory processing
challenges often struggle with traditional concerts and performance. Her goal Saturday is to make music
more accessible to students with these challenges.
Lisa Martin, a music education professor, is Stumpf’s co-adviser for her honors project.
“Initially I was really excited about the idea,” Martin said. “It’s not something that is a traditional
honors project. It was a great way for us to be involved with our community through a population that is
commonly underserved.
“It seemed like there was definitely a need.”
A clarinet player, Stumpf hopes to teach special education after graduate school.
“When I was first introduced to people with special needs, it was something I was really interested in
learning about,” she said.
On Saturday, Stumpf will be hosting two sensory-friendly music experiences for students in the community
with autism or other sensory-processing disorders.
This event will also include other accommodations, such as comfortable seating, noise-reducing
headphones, coloring and puzzle stations, manipulatives and a quiet space.
“We know that students experience different kinds of sensory processing disorders,” Martin said, “and
have different strengths and different comfort levels.”
The different sessions being offered are differentiated based upon whatever those strengths may be, she
said.
Session 1, from noon-1 p.m. is for students who prefer more guidance and structure.
Session 2, from 1:15-2:16 p.m., is for students who prefer more independence and exploration.
Each session will include an interactive concert.
Music activities will be similar to what is seen in an elementary setting, including mallet and
percussion instruments, Stumpf said.
Children ages 5-18 are invited.
Stumpf said a goal with this project is to give this experience to children who might not often have it.

She also wants to give the experience to herself and her peers, many of whom will go into teaching
children with different needs.
Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/sfmusicking

To ensure students and their families are prepared for the experience, this site offers photos, videos
and recordings of all the activities and music that will be explored together. By becoming familiar with
the event activities ahead of time, Stumpf believes children will feel safe, secure and engaged with the
learning experience.
The event will be staffed by eight graduate and undergraduate students from the College of Musical Arts
and the College of Education and Human Development. Every staff member has undergone a background check.