Launch of new AHRC networking project on music and disability

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:
 

1. Instruments in digital and mechanical form.
2. Accessibility in orchestras and concerts.
3. Music accessibility in education.

 
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.
 
You can learn more about OHMI’s AHRC networking project here.

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