In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are shining a light on the incredible talent within our community and the unique ways our members navigate the music industry. Today, we sit down with Jon Hart, a prolific fingerstyle singer-songwriter and PRS member whose career spans over 5 million streams and a decade of international touring.

Beyond his music, Jon is a passionate advocate for change, having founded Neurodivergent Musicians to support those whose brains work a little differently. In this candid Q&A, Jon shares his personal journey of “masking” in a neurotypical industry, how a late-in-life diagnosis reshaped his relationship with his craft, and how the PRS Members’ Fund provided a vital safety net during his most challenging chapters.

Q1: Jon, to start, could you tell us a bit about your journey as a musician and the career you’ve built?

“I’m a UK-based fingerstyle singer-songwriter and the founder of Neurodivergent Musicians and the Acoustic Guitar Circle. Since 2012, my career has been a whirlwind—releasing seven albums and three EPs, hitting over 5 million Spotify streams, and touring across the UK and Europe.

I’ve also built a multi-award-winning wedding music business and an online guitar academy with over 200 lessons. My playing style is a real blend of rhythm and percussion, something I developed through years of experimentation and lived experience.”

Q2: As a neurodivergent creative, what are the unique strengths you bring to your work, and what are some of the hurdles you’ve faced?

“Being a neurodivergent creative can bring both strengths and challenges. Many neurodivergent musicians, like me, experience strong creativity, pattern recognition and deep focus which can lead to unique artistic work.

However the music industry often relies on systems, administration and environments that do not align well with neurodivergent ways of working. For many musicians this can lead to burnout, financial instability or long periods of masking where people try to fit into systems that were never designed for them.

Understanding my own neurodivergence later in life helped me rebuild a healthier relationship with creativity and work.”

Q3: From your perspective, what kind of support is currently missing for neurodivergent artists in the music industry?

“Much of the music industry focuses on mental health once crisis points appear. What is often missing is earlier awareness of neurodivergence and how it intersects with creative careers.

Many musicians experience ADHD, autism or dyslexia yet the industry rarely discusses how touring, administration, finances and working environments affect those musicians. Greater awareness and practical support would help many artists build sustainable careers.”

Q4: You’ve been open about your journey with the PRS Members’ Fund. How did that support impact you during the more difficult periods?

“Support from the PRS Members’ Fund played an important role during difficult periods. Financial assistance during crisis helped provide stability at times when continuing to work was not possible.

That support helped create space for recovery and reflection which ultimately allowed me to continue creating music and rebuilding my life.”

Q5: With Neurodiversity Celebration Week in mind, what is the key message you’d like to share with fellow PRS members?

“Many musicians are quietly navigating challenges that are not always visible from the outside. Understanding how our minds work can change the way we approach creativity, work and wellbeing.

This belief led me to create Neurodivergent Musicians, a growing movement supporting and advocating for neurodivergent artists. Musicians who resonate with this work are invited to share their experience or explore support through the project.”

You can learn more about Jon and his work on www.neurodivergentmusicians.com and www.jonhartmusic.com

Get Involved & Get Support

If Jon’s story resonates with you, or if you are navigating your own journey as a neurodivergent creator, you don’t have to do it alone.

• Connect with the Community: Visit neurodivergentmusicians.com to join the movement and share your experiences.
• Reach Out for Support: If you are facing financial or personal challenges, the PRS Members’ Fund is here to help. Whether it’s a crisis or you simply need guidance, contact us at [email protected] or call 020 3741 4069.

Your unique perspective is what makes the music industry vibrant—let’s make sure you have the support to keep creating.