The Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra (Filarmed) is carrying out a unique musical inclusion program called Soy Músico, aimed at neurodivergent youth. This initiative, which began in 2016, has allowed more than 30 young people with diagnoses such as Down syndrome, severe autism or intellectual disabilities to develop their musical skills, demonstrating that music is a powerful tool for integration and expression.
The program, which has been running in Antioquia for eight years, offers participants the opportunity to learn to play various symphonic instruments and, twice a year, perform concerts with the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra. As is the case for Raquel, a 15-year-old girl, this program has become a source of pride and discipline. Her mother, Beatriz, watches with emotion the progress of her daughter, who has not only excelled in music, but also in theater and sports. “Raquel is my teacher,” says Beatriz, highlighting family support as key in her daughter’s development.
Through Soy Músico, young people not only acquire musical knowledge, but also participate in a process of integration with their peers, overcoming social and cultural barriers. Juan David Gómez Pamplona, one of the first to join the program, shares that his experience has allowed him to gain respect both inside and outside the orchestra, and highlights how music has been fundamental to his personal development. "I feel respected here," says Claudia Zapata, another member of the program, who has been learning to play instruments for four years.
The project is divided into three phases, starting with a basic stage of four hours of weekly rehearsal and moving towards a more intense phase for those who have shown greater progress. The most experienced young people, such as Raquel, Claudia and Juan David, are now part of the Projection phase, where they are assigned a greater weekly workload and have the opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians.
Filarmed director María Catalina Prieto explains that the aim of this programme is to break the myth of the incapacity of people with cognitive disabilities, highlighting their “other abilities” and promoting their inclusion in the artistic field. “We want to change society’s perception and show that people with neurodivergence can achieve great things in music and other fields,” says Prieto.
In addition to musical achievements, Soy Músico has also created a support network among families, who have felt accompanied in their fight against prejudice. Mothers and fathers meet during rehearsals, sharing experiences and strengthening their commitment to the programme. According to Professor Juanita Eslava, the integration process not only benefits young people, but also has a positive impact on the community by teaching respect and acceptance.
In short, Soy Músico is not only transforming the lives of the young people who participate, but it is helping to change the way society views people with disabilities. With the support of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and their families, these young people demonstrate that music has the power to unite, inspire and overcome any barrier.