About Us
A creative community of diverse learners
Lotus Music is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to reducing barriers to music education for the neurodiverse and disability communities. We create spaces that take a truly adaptive approach, providing the conditions for people of all interests, strengths, and abilities to meaningfully engage with music.
Our Mission
Providing adaptive music experiences that nurture growth, creativity, and connection for individuals with diverse learning needs.
Our Values
Inclusive
Welcome students with diverse needs and reduce barriers to music opportunities.
Individualized
Empower journeys of individualized learning that build confidence and self-expression in supportive environments.
Evidence-informed
Deliver evidence-informed training for students and educators, evolving to meet the learning needs of our community.
Collaborative
Collaborate with partners and advocate for sustainable resources in inclusive music education.
Our Story
Inspired by her lived experience as a neurodivergent person and mom to neurodivergent kids, Dr. Erin Parkes founded Lotus Music in 2012 to honour and celebrate the need for unique approaches to music education. Our symbol, the lotus flower, represents growing into your full potential, and we strive to create opportunities for every person we reach to experience this growth.
Our Four Pillars
We take a comprehensive approach to reducing barriers through our four pillars: a music school, community outreach programs, professional development, and research. By bringing together these pillars, we bring music-making directly to the community, build capacity in the sector, and contribute to the landscape of adaptive music education in Canada and beyond.
Evolving for the Future
Reflecting the needs and preferences of the communities we serve is important to us. Language and preferences are constantly evolving, and we’re committed to evolving along with them. In 2026, we changed our name from Lotus Centre for Special Music Education to Lotus Music to reflect these changes and to better represent our approach to making music accessible for all. Check out our new Disability Language Guide to learn more about our commitment to inclusive, respectful language.