Alex Chapman

Alex Chapman (they/he) is an AuDHD music psychologist based in Manchester. Through an AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award with Drake Music Scotland, Alex is exploring the atypical auditory processing experiences of neurodivergent musicians and audiences. Aiming to improve management of their auditory processing challenges in live music settings, the development and outcomes of the project will provide possible strategies that Drake Music Scotland can use in their practice. They are supervised by Professor Pamela Heaton (RNCM/Goldsmiths), Professor Jane Ginsborg (RNCM), and Peter Sparkes (Drake Music Scotland). 

Alongside their PhD, Alex regularly engages in collaborative work with other neurodivergent musicians, educators, and researchers to enquire into neurodivergent musicians’ experiences. He also reviews for journals including Neurodiversity (Sage). Outside of research, Alex is a composer, having collaborated with contemporary soloists as well as ensembles and organisations including the BBC Philharmonic, Opera North, and Aberdeen Jazz Festival. Alex also engages in speaking on belonging, equality, diversity, and inclusion matters to a wide variety of audiences.