Our Mission
The mission of SWFLMEC is to create a world-class music education center where neurodivergent students who have a strong interest in music and low to moderate support needs receive education in music and life skills, preparing them for meaningful growth opportunities that enrich their lives and the community as a whole.
The Need For Specialized Services



Who We Serve
- Include ages 18-30 with low to moderate support needs
- Demonstrates mostly independent self-care skills
-
Exhibit intermediate level or higher music skills,
as demonstrated on one or more instrument(s), including voice,
percussion, strings, guitar, piano/keyboard
Common diagnoses includes:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning Disability (LD)
- Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SCD)
- Anxiety-related disorders in the context of neurodiversity*
*Additional diagnoses may be considered through the application/enrollment process
Typical Student Profile:
- Students who enroll at the Southwest Florida Music Education Center (SWFLMEC) are passionate about music and driven to achieve excellence in their chosen musical performance areas. With a wide range of neurodiversity, all our students share an intrinsic love of music and a true willingness to learn.
- Our musicians are committed to personal growth. Some of our students approach the world with a sense of innocence and naivety. Working together with their peers and our highly qualified staff, students learn to tap into their gifts and develop a sense of independence that allows them to dream and build toward a bright future. Keys to success include experience working in a small group class setting and an ability to accept constructive feedback.
- SWFLMEC provides a culture of encouragement and the support students need to spread their wings, amplify their abilities and achieve great things. During their time with us, student musicians create meaningful relationships, develop an aptitude for self-advocacy, refine their music and performance prowess, acquire life and professional skills and realize their full potential.
Defining Neurodiversity
Merriam-Webster defines neurodiversity as:
neurodiversity (n) – (1) individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population, (2) the concept that difference in brain functioning within the population are normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized, (3) the inclusion in a group, organization, etc. of people with different types of brain functioning.