ADHD, Music and Me by Rachel de Cock

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The idea of starting music lessons can be nerve wracking, but if you also have ADHD it can actually be quite scary, to the point that it prevents many from pursuing lessons in the first place.


What if I can’t make lessons on time?! What if I experience sensory overload??! What if I can’t meet lesson deadlines???!

These are just some of the things that worry students.

I’m here to say don’t let anything stop you from following your musical dreams. There are many talented people in the music industry with ADHD.

The most important thing is to just have an open conversation with your teacher, discuss your needs and concerns and they should be able to accommodate you and customise the learning experience to suit you.

Examples of this might be that if you struggle with time keeping, a teacher may be happy to send you lesson reminders. If sensory overload is an issue, just tell your teacher and they may be able to adjust the teaching studio to make it more comfortable for you. If deadlines are an issue, then it is always possible to come up with new ways to take you forward.

I thoroughly enjoy working with my ADHD students. I personally think an ADHD brain is often built for creativity, and music can be very therapeutic for an ADHD mind.

Some students find that music is actually their hyperfocus and go on to become professional musicians. Others find that it gives them an outlet to express themselves and regulate. Whatever your reasons for pursuing lessons, it is so important that you feel included, listened to.

Too many talented musicians don’t realise their full potential due to lack of social education and understanding about neurodivergence. The world really is missing out on hearing some amazing talent!

Hopefully, now that the subject is being discussed more openly in the media, there will be better understanding and a better support system put in place.

And by the way, lessons don’t just benefit the student but also the teacher: If it hadn’t been for one of my students, I would have never recognised ADHD in myself and obtained my own diagnosis!

So as someone with ADHD, I’m here to say that it doesn’t have to stop you from following your musical dreams. ADHD has made me the creative and quirky songwriter, singer and teacher I am today!

I am proud to be a part of our inspiring and diverse community where I can share all the coping skills and strategies that I have developed along the way.

Rachel de Cock (DipGSM) Singing Teacher at Brighton Music Lessons in Saltdean



Location: Saltdean, Brighton, UK

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