The Music Seekers,
Explorers Club
Fun, monthly music sessions and events
specially made for those with
learning disabilities and/or autism in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Who’s it for?
The Music Seekers Explorers Club provides monthly sessions for people aged 16 or over with learning disabilities and/or autism who require supervised care, as well as their parents or carers.
We can accommodate wheelchair users, as our venue is fully accessible, with no stairs, and has a disabled toilet attached to the hall where we hold our sessions.
We do suggest that those who struggle with loud, unexpected sounds bring their ear protection, as this will likely improve their experience.
What Happens?
We come together once a month to explore different types of music-making through a range of multisensory games and activities, so that anyone can participate in a way that suits them best. We also host special musical guests and events that provide exciting musical experiences that might not typically be available to some participants.
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Singing, vocalisations & mouth sounds (in addition to Makaton)
Discover and listen to new music
Playing musical instruments like drums and shakers
Playing games which promote interaction, creative decision-making and self-expression.
Special guests that we have featured in the past include a choir, a saxophone ensemble and a harpist. (As well as some donkeys for our Christmas Donkey Day Celebration)
Bus Pick Up Service
We offer a bus pick-up service for those who would otherwise struggle to attend our sessions. As well as being accessible to those with reduced mobility or those who require a wheelchair, our bus is very special: you will be accompanied by one of our leaders, who will play and sing music on the bus like a live radio. Join in or sit and listen as you’re taken across the different stops. A really unique experience where you can enjoy a little something extra as part of your travel to and from the group.
Watch for more info
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When you register for a place at the session using our online form, there will be a tick box to check that lets us know that you are looking to book. We’ll be in touch to collect the information that we need to book you in for the us.
Alternatively email hello@misfitsmusic.org.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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We suggest a donation of £2 on top of the session fee.
This donation helps us to keep running the serivce but is optional.
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While our sessions are very lively, our bus leader will be playing relaxing, calm music.
“Imagine the car radio at a low volume.”
You can join in or just listen. If you have a favourite song, let us know, and our leader might be able to bring it along with them to play on the bus.
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Not a problem, just email hello@misfitsmusic.org.uk and we’ll send over all the information that you need.
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We have a limited number of spaces, dictated by our passengers' needs. Look out for our emails notifying you of the next session. If you are not yet a member of the Music Seekers mailing list, consider joining so you can book your place as soon as possible and avoid disappointment.
We do our best to allocate spaces fairly, so if you are a regular bus user, please be prepared to accept that we may reallocate spaces to others when demand is high.
If demand regularly exceeds our current capacity, we will look into expanding this service further.
Accessibility
We do our best to ensure that sessions are accessible and adaptable to suit the needs of both participants and their carers.
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Our venue features:
A car park with plenty of space
A disabled toilet
No stair access
A separate quiet space
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We understand the importance of structure and routine for some participants. We plan sessions so that they follow a similar pattern every time. This creates a safe, familiar space for these people.
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Parents and carers are required to stay with any participant during each session, so we provide free admission to these people.
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We plan each activity within a session to be flexible, allowing our leaders to adapt and cater to each participant's individual needs.
We put every effort into making each event fully accessible.
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We are currently operating a bus pick-up service for people who would struggle to attend our sessions.
For more information, please click here
The Big Show
Join Megan and Jim, the Music Seekers, for an accessible concert specially designed for people with learning disabilities and/or autism! Experience a live orchestra as they perform a variety of exciting music that is woven together through acting and storytelling. Like the Explorers Club, there will be lots of multi-sensory games and activities to take part in – expect some dancing, signing, noise-making, and plenty of fun props!
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In this year’s show, Jim went on another adventure, meeting a variety of zany characters, each with a different job. The Music Seekers and our 25+ piece community orchestra guided us through music inspired by Florists, Divers, Posties, Photographers.
We also featured a very special piece that was written by MAC’s inclusive house band “SWITCH” which has been arranged for our orchestra.
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Jim’s first Music Seekers adventure took him around Birmingham, with the help of bus driver Megan, to find music inspired by places that offer accessible tours and activities.
We visited the Cadbury Factory, Tysley Loco Works, the Sea Life Centre and Edgbaston Reservoir.
To see photos of the concert click here
Dates, Location and Price
Find our Explorers Club Sessions at:
Allen’s Cross Community Association
24 Tinkers Farm Road,
Northfield,
Birmingham
B31 1RH
Upcoming Explorers Club Sessions:
(Click on the date for additional information
on times and special notices)
How Much Does Attendance Cost
Parents and carers pay nothing.
Participants can either pay:
£4 (Reduced Fee)
£6 (Normal Fee)
£8 ( Pay It Forward Fee)
Per session.
We also offer free places; click here for more information.
We accept cash or card at the end of sessions and can issue receipts via email after payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all. Although if you do play a musical instrument, you are more than welcome to bring it along.
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That is absolutely fine. We understand that for some, participation can mean simply being in a space where something is happening and enjoying what’s around them. We do encourage participation but we wont’t make anyone do anything they don’t feel comfortable with.
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Yes, absolutely. We want this to be a fun experience for everyone, and we actively involve those accompanying group participants.
It is important that carers and parents get involved so they can help a participant engage meaningfully with the session.
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No. Due to the nature of the group, we require that every participant is accompanied by a carer or parent throughout a session. This ensures that each participant has someone knows their individual needs and how to support these needs that is best for them.
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We offer different payment options so that people can choose what to pay themselves according to their financial situation.
By offering free places and reduced fees, we hope that it helps those in financial hardship to partake in our activities. Our normal and pay it forward options financially support these reduced fee places.
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Yes.
Please visit this link to apply for a free place.
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That’s fine. If you know ahead of time, just let your group leader know before the start of the session.
If it is better to leave due to over-stimulation or “just not feeling it” that is completely understandable. We have an atrium which is separate from the main hall which is ideal for taking a break.
If leaving early is required, ensure the leader knows before you depart. If this leads to an outstanding payment, this can be dealt with at another time.
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You should bring anything that makes your participant comfortable.
We strongly recommend that those who are sensitive to loud noise bring ear protection. We can provide earplugs and some over-ear protection; however, having a participant bring their own is always preferable.
Electronic communication aids (such as tablets or phones) are more than welcome; however, their use should be limited to tasks that help participants engage with the session.
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Yes, but there are a couple of house rules for participants and their parents/carers.
For Participants
Electronic communication aids (such as tablets or phones) are more than welcome; however, their use should be limited to tasks that help participants engage with the session.
An example of tablet or phone use not permitted during a session is watching YouTube or Disney+ without headphones. This may distract others or create additional sound stimuli that could be disruptive. If this was a necessity for a participant, the leader might ask that they use the atrium as not to disturb others in the session.
Parents/Carers
The use of phones or tablets aside from assisting a participant during a session is prohibited. These devices should be put away for the duration of a session, ideally on silent mode.
We enforce this rule because the continued use of a mobile device by a parent or carer during a session can be distracting to others and divert their attention from helping a participant engage meaningfully.
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Yes. We are currently operating a free bus pickup service. There are limited spaces available, so pre-booking is essential. Click here for more information.
You will be joined by one of our leaders, who will welcome you onto the bus and, whilst on board, play some music for you to listen to and enjoy.
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Just email hello@misfitsmusic.org.uk and let us know about the change in plans.