Exploring the Role of Music in the Autism Community
Full Spectrum is a free musical event series designed to connect families and individuals in the autism community to one another through a common love and enjoyment of music. Featuring a rotation of Saturday activities, the series will blend informative presentations and musical performances (some led by artists who are themselves on the spectrum) with fun and exciting music-making experiences. The series will conclude with a large-scale open-mic and collaborative concert event on the final day.
*You are welcome to come and go as needed and take in any portion of the event series that fits your schedule.
Join Full Spectrum
Now in its third year, Full Spectrum is hosted by the Mary Pappert School of Music and City Music Center of Duquesne University in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh and Achieving True Self and underwritten by the Pittsburgh Foundation. Join us for one or both of the events in the series Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18. Register in advance below and receive a free welcome bag at the event!
2026 Schedule of Events
Session 1 "Exploring Sound and Rhythm" - Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
We will feature an instrument petting zoo and lead participants in a community drum circle. Engage in call and response drumming and improvisation. Our current students will lead sing-alongs, offer demonstrations on instruments, and play musical games. Participants will also have the opportunity to sit in on a real recording session with a live band in a fully functional music production studio! Bring your instrument and jam with the band or take a turn behind the audio console during mixdown.
Session 2 “Full Spectrum Artist Showcase” - Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The final day of the series will conclude in two segments with our partners at Band Together Pittsburgh (BTP): An open-mic event where anyone in attendance can participate in music making on stage and a collaborative concert featuring BTP artists who are on the spectrum themselves alongside Mary Pappert School of Music students. Stay for a reception following the concert to interact with members of sponsoring organizations, discover resources, and make new connections with fellow guests.
Full Spectrum In the Media
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
by Roberta Burkhart, March 30, 2025
Duquesne Magazine
by Elizabeth Shestak, spring 2025 edition
Duquesne Duke
by Hannah Peters, staff writer | April 18, 2024
Student Perspective
My music therapy methods classes taught me the importance of responding to individuals’ needs in the moment of music-making, which I have been able to apply in a hands-on way at the Full Spectrum Event Series.
During Full Spectrum, I am able to use the skills I have developed during my time in the Music Therapy program to assist in holding a safe, engaging, and supportive space for everyone who walks through our door!