About Us
Bringing People Together Through Music
Our Mission
We strongly believe in the power of group music-making activities to facilitate new connections between people, break down social barriers and help members of our local community become active citizens. We see firsthand the power music has to reduce loneliness and improve the physical and mental well-being of our participants.
Our Values
We strongly believe in the power of group music-making activities to facilitate new connections between people, break down social barriers and help members of our local community become active citizens. We see firsthand the power music has to reduce loneliness and improve the physical and mental well-being of our participants.
Our Team
We might be a small team, but our impact is huge!
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Rob Jones - Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Reuben Penny - Co-Founder & Music Director
Rosie Penny - Development Manager
Rodrigo Oquera - Primary Rock Collective Leader -
Sara Crathorne - Programme Manager
Loretta Milan - Marketing Officer
Jim Nankivell - Office Assistant -
Alex Lowe -
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Our History
We do our best to ensure that sessions are accessible and adaptable to suit the needs of both participants and their carers.
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.

