From May 17–20, 2025, partners of the Erasmus+ project OGME – Good Practice Techniques in Music Education for Young People with Autism gathered in the heart of Rome for our first transnational project meeting, kindly hosted by our Italian partner Euphoria Net.
Educators, researchers, and professionals from Italy, Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria came together to reflect on the project’s achievements, plan the next phases, and strengthen the collaboration that makes OGME so special.
Building Connections, Sharing Visions
The meeting opened with a presentation of each partner’s progress and experiences in developing inclusive musical practices for children and young people with autism. Discussions focused on the upcoming stages of the project, including the creation of the Guide to Good Practice Techniques, video tutorials, and educational resources that will support teachers and families in using music as a tool for inclusion.
Through engaging workshops and interactive sessions, participants exchanged strategies, methodologies, and stories from their classrooms and communities. The atmosphere was filled with creativity, empathy, and a shared belief in the transformative power of music.
A Moment to Remember
One of the most touching and inspiring moments of the meeting came from a live performance by three talented students with autism from Ankara University, Ahmet, Berk, and Buğra who performed alongside the university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden.
Their performance moved everyone in the room. It wasn’t just a musical highlight, it was a reminder of why OGME exists: to create opportunities for all young people to express themselves, connect, and shine through music. The families’ stories, shared with warmth and pride, made this moment truly unforgettable.
Our Mission: Inclusion Through Music
At the core of OGME is a simple but powerful idea: music is for everyone.
The project aims to equip educators, therapists, and families with innovative tools and inclusive methodologies that use music to support the learning and emotional development of neurodiverse youth.
By promoting accessible, creative, and evidence-based approaches, OGME seeks to transform classrooms into inclusive spaces, where every child can explore their abilities, communicate through sound, and experience the joy of musical participation.
Looking Ahead
The Rome meeting marked not just the first official milestone of the project, but also the beginning of a vibrant collaboration that will continue to grow across Europe.
As we move forward, partners will focus on developing training materials, best practice guides, and multimedia resources, culminating in practical outcomes that teachers, families, and professionals can use in real educational contexts.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Euphoria for the warm hospitality and impeccable organization, and to all our partners for their enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to making music education truly inclusive.
