Elizabeth Watts sits down with musicians who have their own stories to tell about how neurodivergence affects their personal and professional lives.
Neurodivergence is more prevalent among musicians than the general population. Soprano Elizabeth Watts, who has ADHD, explores how neurodiversity influences the lives and creativity of fellow musicians. She is ed by fellow soprano Anna Devin, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, for a candid conversation about how their unique ways of thinking shape their experiences in music and life. Along the way, they share meaningful pieces that reflect their personal journeys.
Today, Anna shares several pieces that highlight aspects of singing that are difficult for her, such as learning fast text in a foreign language. She also shares pieces that give her creative freedom, for example through improvising ornaments or through a sound world that brings a visual scene to life. Elizabeth brings one recording that keeps her brain awake and engaged, and another that she uses to bribe herself to do tasks she would otherwise put off completing.
Adding a scientific lens to the discussion, Professor Catherine Loveday offers explanations and insights into the relationship between neurodiversity and musical creativity.
A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3
