The document reflects ideas and debates stemming from an event held as part of the AHRC Music and Disability Networking Grant in November 2023. An invited group of presenters and attendees from academic institutions, music organisations, instrument makers, musicians, higher education (HE) music students, music associations, music hubs, and examination boards in both the UK and Europe, were in attendance. This document aims to stimulate critical thinking and foster debate while providing avenues for further exploration in future research and policy development. To download a copy of the document please click below. ![]()
Professor Andrew McPherson has worked with the OHMI Trust for many years and in different capacities. Here he describes how the disperate elements of his research career fit together and the important contribution that digital instruments offer in music-making, including for people with physical impairments. It was originally broadcast on 7th February 2024 and recorded live at Imperial College London.
Together with our research project partners Birmingham City University and Imperial College London, we kicked off a new AHRC networking project at an event on 7th November in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
The meeting was the first of four designed to bring together stakeholders to encourage discussion and debate regarding music and disability. It was attended by a range of stakeholders from the UK as well as the Netherlands and Germany, including music hubs, various universities, The UK Association for Music Education - Music Mark and a number of disabled musicians. There are three key areas of focus for these multidisciplinary and multi-agency events:
Dr Victoria Kinsella of the Birmingham Music Education Research Group (B-MERG) at Birmingham City University, said: “In our first event we explored and debated instrumental challenges, the need for cultural shifts, and the imperative for more inclusive music education. One quote from the day that has remained in my mind is ‘to feel included you need to feel anticipated’ which really emphasises the essence of what inclusion means”. The network, which has been made possible through AHRC Networking funding, intends to: investigate barriers to music participation; develop new understandings and discourses; explore new methodologies for future research partnerships and grant applications; disseminate project findings; and support early career researchers to become active members in the network. There will be a further two meetings taking place in 2024 which will focus on instruments. The final event will be a teaching conference taking place in 2025. |
Archives
April 2024
Categories |