Celebrating
Neurodiversity
Nat Bartsch is proudly neurodivergent, and part of the enormous wave of late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD women and artists discovering their true selves. Nat believes that her neurodiversity is at the heart of her music and the reason for its emotive, regulating effect for many listeners. Every neurodivergent person is different, with a unique patchwork of skills and abilities and passionate interests, and areas where extra support is needed (in a world designed for neurotypicals). Nat passionately believes that neurodiversity is a superpower, and with our needs met, our talents can thrive.
Upcoming Events
Neuro-affirming Open Mic @ Bakehouse Studios - May 9th
Join Nat at an Open Mic night at Bakehouse Studios on Saturday 9th of May!
This will be an Open Mic night like no other - seeking to create a supportive environment for neurodivergent musicians, and celebrating the extraordinary music made by ND creatives, from any genre or career stage.
Open Mic sessions are a setting for emerging artists to gain performance skills, or more experienced artists to test new material, or return to the stage after a break. But Open Mic sessions don't suit everyone: for some neurodivergent people, there is too little structure, too much unpredictability, plus all the usual sensory, social and accessibility hurdles that exist in many live music venues.
We'd like to try and create a neuro-affirming, welcoming and inclusive Open Mic that is better designed for neurodivergent musicians!
While we still hope to support spontaneous requests to perform on the night, we strongly encourage you to register in advance with this google form. By registering in advance, we can learn how we can support you, plan the event in advance, and create a detailed visual story to share with everyone before the day.
Join us on Saturday 9 May from 6pm - 9pm, to enjoy performances by artists from a range of genres and career stages, held in the Scrap Museum at the iconic Bakehouse Studios, Richmond.
Forever Changed: NSW & ACT shows
Join Nat at a performance of Forever Changed in Canberra (for Canberra International Music Festival) in May, or on tour for Musica Viva in regional NSW in July!
Head to Nat’s shows page for more info.
MSO Music & Ideas: Creating an Inclusive Future
Nat was a part of a special discussion panel, hosted by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, in October 2025. She joined access consultant Morwenna Collett, and British one-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy, exploring accessibility in classical music. You can watch the full discussion on YouTube by clicking the link below
Peggy Glanville Hicks address
In 2024, Nat delivered the annual Peggy Glanville Hicks address, for Australian Music Centre, on the theme of late-diagnosed neurodiversity and music.
She reflects upon her experiences growing up, and learning music, as an undiagnosed autistic/ADHD person; the challenges and benefits of neurodivergence in a professional music career, and reflects on ways the music industry could better support ND artists
Forever Changed
In November 2024, Nat released a long-awaited new album of lullabies, Forever Changed. Whilst her original album, Forever, and No Time At All, was designed to support young families (as well as music lovers in general), Forever Changed explores ways to create music that may be regulating and soothing for neurodivergent people of all ages (both on the recorded album, and live). This immersive project, featuring extensive ambient effects and solo piano, was premiered in a Relaxed performance setting at Melbourne Recital Centre (including a 6pm show for ND adults).
Join Nat’s Neurodivergent News
While you’re more than welcome to join Nat’s mailing list for all her news (at the bottom of the page), you can join her neurodiversity mailing list for events/news related to neurodiversity in particular: