Cooler Clinic Online April: Neurodiversity with Nat Bartsch
Carving a Path: Neurodivergence & Identity with Nat Bartsch
Each month, Improvised Music Company hosts Cooler Clinic CPD events at The Cooler at The Complex or online. In April, we’re hosting an online discussion with guest Nat Bartsch—an acclaimed pianist, composer, and advocate who has carved a unique path in the music industry while embracing her neurodivergence.
Nat Bartsch is a twice ARIA-nominated artist known for her beautifully soothing blend of neoclassical composition, jazz harmony, and ambient effects. Her distinctively gentle and lyrical sound has reached listeners worldwide, accompanying them through deeply personal moments—from birthing suites to final goodbyes. Proudly neurodivergent, Nat is part of the growing wave of late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD artists discovering their true selves. She believes neurodiversity is a superpower and that, with the right support, neurodiverse musicians can thrive creatively and professionally.
In this session, Nat will share insights from her career as a composer, performer, and entrepreneur—offering valuable takeaways for neurodiverse and neurotypical musicians alike. Topics will include:
- Access & Identity: Understanding neurodivergent needs in music and performance settings
- Carving Your Niche: How Nat built an audience, engaged ND communities, and leaned into her brand to create effective merch
- Sustainable Careers: Touring, working with managers/agents, and launching a label
- Authenticity & Business: Balancing artistic integrity with career-building strategies
This is an opportunity to hear from an artist who has successfully built a career on her own terms—while also fostering inclusivity and connection in the music world. Whether you’re a neurodiverse musician seeking relatable insights or a neurotypical bandleader looking to better support ND collaborators, this discussion will be eye-opening, practical, and inspiring.
Endorsed by Yamaha Pianos, Nat has released nine albums, toured internationally, and collaborated with artists across jazz, classical, and theatre. This breadth of experience enables Nat to sit comfortably between genres, challenging assumptions of what a ‘classical’ or ‘jazz’ artist should be. After several years releasing music for both ABC Jazz and ABC Classic, she has now established her own record label., Amica Records, for genre bending, kind music. Amica Records also supports emerging artists through Amica Familia, a mentoring and industry skills initiative.
As always, one-to-one sessions with an IMC team member are available post-discussion, covering career concerns such as releasing music, booking gigs, and more.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Sign up now to reserve your spot!
The Age““Listening to Bartsch’s music is akin to feeling a reassuring hand resting on one’s shoulder. It’s music that invites contemplation, and that radiates tenderness, empathy – and yes, hope.” ”
More About this Artist
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. In 2024 Nat has focussed on performing, consulting and connecting with more neurodivergent audiences and musicians, creating ways to engage with music that seek to consider the unique needs of neurodivergent people.
Nat recently delivered the annual Peggy Glanville Hicks address, for Australian Music Centre, on the theme of late-diagnosed neurodiversity and music.
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) and further performances are in planning for 2025.
Artist Meet-ups
Across Melbourne in 2024, Nat hosted a series of Artist Meet Ups, bringing together neurodivergent members of the music industry. These informal get togethers connected many like minded musicians, in an event designed to accommodate a variety of communication styles, sensory and access needs.
