OHMI appoints new Instrument Development Manager to help deliver adapted musical instruments

Megan Steinberg

OHMI is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Instrument Development Manager, Megan Steinberg. The appointment signals our ambitions to accelerate delivery in developing new adapted musical instruments and enabling equipment for disabled musicians of all ages.
 
It is a complex piece of work that requires building strong relationships with instrument makers and disabled musicians alike, and Megan brings some strong credentials. She is a composer and turntablist who works with professional and amateur disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent musicians to create new and experimental music, including as part of her PhD studies in Composition at Royal Northern College of Music in association with Drake Music. Her work has led to her recognition by the BRIT Awards 2024 as a trailblazer in music, inclusion and accessibility (Mastercard shines a light on music trailblazers ahead of The BRIT Awards 2024).
 
Megan’s role of OHMI Instrument Development Manager will involve visiting independent instrument makers, including students, to progress work on bespoke commissions for particular adapted instruments and enabling equipment, as well as larger organisations on mass production opportunities.
 
Megan said, “As someone who has disabilities, living my life in a creative way is second nature. Through necessity, disabled people must find workarounds all the time. This has undoubtedly led to a huge amount of progress in technology and I’m really excited about the role I can play in helping to progress new instruments for disabled musicians. I know OHMI has a long list of adapted instruments and enabling equipment it would like to evolve, from a one-handed saxophone to bow and violin holders and a tenor horn stand. I love instruments so I can’t wait to get started!”
 
Rachel Wolffsohn, OHMI’s General Manager, added,
 
“Megan joins us at the perfect time as we prepare for the December launch of our 2025 competition, set up to challenge instrument makers, designers and technicians to create and develop musical instruments that can be played without the use of one hand and arm. (Information will be added shortly to OHMI’s Competition page.)
 
“Having a dedicated staff member managing the large number of projects we have in process will enable us to bring each one to fruition more quickly and enable a greater range of options of instruments that allow full participation in musical life to be available for those that need them.  Instruments that emulate traditional instruments but meet the individual needs of the performer have always been at the heart of OHMI’s work, and Megan’s appointment is an exciting new step on that path.”
 
Learn more about OHMI at: http://www.ohmi.org.uk.