OHMI’s Year in Review 2020
OHMI's Rachel Wolffsohn (second left) and Tim Low (far right) and friends celebrating Christmas in happier, non-Covid times
It has been another busy year for OHMI and its work in enabling those with physical impairments to participate fully in music-making.
During the course of 2020, we’re delighted to have:
- Delivered 29,700 minutes of music-making lessons
- Trained 407 music education and health professionals
- Made 293 instruments available through OHMI’s Instrument Hire Scheme
- Delivered 11 days of exhibitions to raise awareness of our work
- Conducted 101 virtual meetings
Our 2020 highlights, listed chronologically, as follows:
January: Collaboration with Warwick University
We were delighted to be invited by the Engineering Department at Warwick University to pitch a project to their students to create a modular body-mounted support kit suitable for a variety of instruments. In response, they presented a highly creative and universal design. Watch the video that puts this work into context: Body Mounted modular Instrument Support Kit - University of Warwick Mechanical Engineering & OHMI.
February: MEHEM conference, Nottingham
We teamed up with our friends at Creative United to exhibit at MEHEM (Music Education Hubs from across the East Midlands)’s 2020 conference. As well as workshops from renowned industry professionals including Charanga and the Royal Opera House and seminars from the Department for Education and Arts Council England, we were treated to performances from the incredibly talented Jeneba and Aminata Kanneh-Mason and Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra.
March: Visit from the Chair of Arts Council England
We were delighted to welcome Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, to visit one of the teaching sessions where adapted equipment was in use.
Following his visit Sir Nicholas said:
“It was fascinating to hear and see some of the work you have been doing with students in Nottingham... It was eye and mind opening and,... so inspiring to see young children with disabilities being given the opportunity to join a conventional group and play music as equals.”
April: Launch of OHMI’s biennial competition
The OHMI Competition challenges instrument makers, designers and technicians to create and develop musical instruments that can be played without the use of one hand and arm. We launched the competition in April as we would every second year. However, the disruption caused by Covid – specifically to entrants unable to access their workshops during lockdown – led us to extend the deadline to 31 March 2021.
May: OHMI music-making moves online
For the first time, OHMI’s music-making moved online. A steep learning curve soon followed, not least getting to grips with new technology! Nevertheless, all coped admirably and the virtual format presented the opportunity for parents to see and hear their children perform in lessons and to meet the music teachers.
June: Launch of our Accessible Instruments Challenge
We partnered with Creative United, Plexal, University College London, and Hobs 3D to deliver an “ Accessible Instruments Challenge”. The aim was to bring together different expertise in digital design technology, musical instrument making and the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Eight teams worked on different projects (see October’s entry for the projects showcase).
July: New Interfaces of Musical Expression conference
We were delighted to present the work of OHMI’s Research Partnership (ORP) – a collaboration with Queen Mary University of London and Birmingham City University – to the NIME (New Interfaces of Musical Expression) conference. Despite the requirement to move online this year, the event was as popular as ever. It attracted researchers and musicians from all over the world to share their knowledge and late-breaking work on new musical interface design. The theme of this year’s conference was the Accessibility of Musical Expression – a subject at the heart of OHMI’s mission.
NIME 2021 will be hosted by NYU Shanghai, China.
August: Additional instruments provided to Nottingham Music Service
The need for, and interest in, adapted instruments for students accessing the services of Nottingham Music Service has only grown; particularly because of the Whole Class Ensemble Teaching project which is being organised in partnership with Creative United. Alongside the 38 pieces still in use from the 2019-20 academic year, we prepared a further 43 instruments and pieces of apparatus for the start of the academic year 2020-21.
September: Delivery of an International Society of Musicians seminar
We presented at an International Society of Musicians seminar entitled 'Inclusive, accessible music making with adaptive music instruments'.
October: Accessible Instruments Challenge Showcase event
The projects which resulted from our ‘Accessible Instruments Challenge’ with Creative United, Plexal, University College London, and Hobs 3D (see the June entry above) were showcased at an event in early October and can now be accessed at: https://www.accessibleinstruments.com/update
November: Whole Class Ensemble Teaching in Herefordshire
We provided teacher training to the Whole Class Ensemble Teaching team at Encore Enterprises, Herefordshire.
December: Celebrating OHMI’s work
As we look towards our important tenth anniversary next year, we’re taking the time to update our branding and communications, starting with our website. More on that in the New Year! Meantime, we’ll leave the closing credits to OHMI’s wonderfully talented music-makers playing their favourite Christmas songs.
To one and all, the team at OHMI send their best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas and 2021.
One-handed instruments sought for OHMI’s 2020-21 Competition
OHMI Music-Maker using a trombone stand
Instrument makers across the globe are being invited to enter OHMI’s biennial competition for one-handed instruments. The deadline for the 2020-21 OHMI Competition is being extended to 31st March 2021 to allow for the disruption to workshop time caused by Covid-19.
The Competition challenges instrument makers, designers and technicians to develop an instrument or enabling apparatus that allows music-making for those living with an upper arm impairment. It’s work that is as needed today as it was when the competition was first established in 2013.
It has been a legal requirement for disabled people to be offered undifferentiated access in the workplace and in recreational settings since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed some 25 years ago. Yet when it comes to disabled people making music of their own, unlimited participation remains an issue.
Virtually no musical instrument can be played without ten highly dextrous fingers. This denies participation in musical life to those with congenital disabilities and to amputees, as well as the millions who may have been injured, suffered a stroke, developed arthritis or for whatever reason lack the full strength and control of their upper limbs. As a result, millions across the world are excluded from music-making for the lack of suitable instruments.
The Competition was first established when its organisers, The OHMI (One-handed Musical Instrument Trust), realised if access to music-making were to be made a reality, it relied on the invention of suitable instruments.
Dr Stephen Hetherington MBE, OHMI’s co-founder and Chair, explains why the creation of such adapted instruments is the catalyst for all other areas of OHMI’s work,
“Lack of instruments for use by those living with an upper arm impairment is the first barrier to music-making. Where there’s a lack of suitable instruments, it’s easy to write off music-making as an inaccessible activity. Requests, therefore, are not made of schools and music teachers to provide such instruments. Not realising there’s either a need or desire, there’s no driver for music teachers to investigate potential solutions. Music-making participation amongst those with a physical disability, of course, then remains low. In turn, that means there’s no impetus for instrument makers to make the required adapted instruments!
“By helping to create those instruments, OHMI helps to break this cycle. It starts with commissioning the design and manufacture of the instruments. It makes those instruments available to those who most need them through the OHMI Instrument Hire scheme, and in the most affordable way. It raises awareness amongst teachers and music hubs that there is a solution that allows any disabled pupil to enjoy the same access to music-making as their peers.”
Seven years on, the Competition has enabled the emulation of the Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Clarinet, Guitar, and even the Great Highland Bagpipe! Enabling equipment has also been developed for most brass and woodwind instruments.
Instrument makers, designers and technicians submit their entries from as far away as Australia and Cote D’Ivoire. The musicians who benefit from the instruments are equally as far flung; with beneficiaries of OHMI’s work situated in North America and Australia.
To find out more about the Competition entry requirements click here.
The Competition challenges instrument makers, designers and technicians to develop an instrument or enabling apparatus that allows music-making for those living with an upper arm impairment. It’s work that is as needed today as it was when the competition was first established in 2013.
It has been a legal requirement for disabled people to be offered undifferentiated access in the workplace and in recreational settings since the Disability Discrimination Act was passed some 25 years ago. Yet when it comes to disabled people making music of their own, unlimited participation remains an issue.
Virtually no musical instrument can be played without ten highly dextrous fingers. This denies participation in musical life to those with congenital disabilities and to amputees, as well as the millions who may have been injured, suffered a stroke, developed arthritis or for whatever reason lack the full strength and control of their upper limbs. As a result, millions across the world are excluded from music-making for the lack of suitable instruments.
The Competition was first established when its organisers, The OHMI (One-handed Musical Instrument Trust), realised if access to music-making were to be made a reality, it relied on the invention of suitable instruments.
Dr Stephen Hetherington MBE, OHMI’s co-founder and Chair, explains why the creation of such adapted instruments is the catalyst for all other areas of OHMI’s work,
“Lack of instruments for use by those living with an upper arm impairment is the first barrier to music-making. Where there’s a lack of suitable instruments, it’s easy to write off music-making as an inaccessible activity. Requests, therefore, are not made of schools and music teachers to provide such instruments. Not realising there’s either a need or desire, there’s no driver for music teachers to investigate potential solutions. Music-making participation amongst those with a physical disability, of course, then remains low. In turn, that means there’s no impetus for instrument makers to make the required adapted instruments!
“By helping to create those instruments, OHMI helps to break this cycle. It starts with commissioning the design and manufacture of the instruments. It makes those instruments available to those who most need them through the OHMI Instrument Hire scheme, and in the most affordable way. It raises awareness amongst teachers and music hubs that there is a solution that allows any disabled pupil to enjoy the same access to music-making as their peers.”
Seven years on, the Competition has enabled the emulation of the Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Clarinet, Guitar, and even the Great Highland Bagpipe! Enabling equipment has also been developed for most brass and woodwind instruments.
Instrument makers, designers and technicians submit their entries from as far away as Australia and Cote D’Ivoire. The musicians who benefit from the instruments are equally as far flung; with beneficiaries of OHMI’s work situated in North America and Australia.
To find out more about the Competition entry requirements click here.
25 years on from the DDA – has music-making been left behind?
A one-handed recorder being tested at an OHMI event
It’s now 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed. The Act made it illegal for employers and service providers to discriminate against someone because they were disabled. There was, however, some criticism of its implementation.
Whilst the legislation was passed in 1995, it was not until 1996 that employers and service providers were expected to make “reasonable adjustments”; and not until 2004 that the legislation applied to companies employing fewer than 15 people.
The DDA may well have improved access in the workplace and across restaurants, libraries and arts and cultural venues, but what of other settings of significant educational and social value? Can we say that people with a physical impairment are able to enjoy the same level of access as those without, in all aspects of their lives?
It is expected, both legally and morally, that disabled people are not denied the same access to concert halls and other music venues as their differently-abled counterparts. Yet when it comes to making music of their own, unlimited and undifferentiated participation remains an issue.
This is perhaps unsurprising when virtually no musical instruments can be played without ten highly dextrous fingers. This creates limits to those with congenital disabilities and to amputees, as well as the millions who may have been injured, suffered a stroke, developed arthritis or for whatever reason lack the full strength and control of their upper limbs.
Instruments require adaptation. Many have yet to be made available. For those that are, their purchase proves often to be financially prohibitive.
As the country take stock of how 25 years of the DDA has had an impact on those living with a physical impairment, it’s timely that the OHMI Trust reflects on its own tenth anniversary and all it has achieved in opening up access to music-making: specifically in the core areas of research, innovation and teaching.
The OHMI Trust was born in 2012 with just two trustees (Stephen Hetherington and Martin Dyke) no money, two volunteers (Stephen’s and Martin’s daughters), but with lots of ambition. Recognising that the lack of instruments is the first barrier to participation, OHMI launched its first competition, which was a collaboration with the Austrian arts and technology festival, Ars Electronica. The Competition challenge remains: to create musical instruments that can be played without the use of one hand and arm.
Competition winning instruments take life in two ways: firstly, making music-making both accessible and affordable via OHMI’s Instrument Hire Scheme; and secondly, through OHMI’s Music-Makers teaching programme. Following its inception as a teaching pilot in Birmingham in 2015, Music-Makers was extended first to Hampshire and Surrey, and then to Nottingham and Northamptonshire.
It was perhaps bringing together researchers, musicians, teachers, charities, funders, and government agencies from five continents at OHMI’s first conference on Music & Physical Disability: From Instrument to Performance in 2018, that accelerated OHMI’s ambitions in research. The following year, the OHMI Research Partnership was established with Queen Mary University, London and Birmingham City University. Its purpose is to form new research partnerships on music and disability with universities, researchers, musicians, educators, sociologists and instrument makers globally.
Today, music-making for those living with an upper arm impairment is more accessible than ever. OHMI’s Instrument Hire Scheme collection exceeds 300 instruments and pieces of enabling apparatus. Its teaching programme has extended across the UK and its competition continues to support the design and manufacture of suitable instruments.
It was certainly music to the ears of all those involved in OHMI that the UK Government shares OHMI’s belief in the importance of undifferentiated access to music-making. In describing the ‘New National Plan to Shape the Future of Music Education’ (published in February 2020), it pledged that,
“Children from all backgrounds and every part of England should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument; to make music with others; to learn to sing; and to have the opportunity to progress to the next level of excellence if they wish to”.
The intent is certainly there. If the anniversary of the DDA tells us anything, however, it is that equality – whilst having gathered significant pace over recent years – has certainly not reached journey’s end.
New Date for Naidex
Further to its announcement of postponement last week, the organiser of leading independent living show Naidex, is pleased to be able to announce the new dates of 9th and 10th November 2020. The event will take place at the same venue the NEC Birmingham and all tickets remain valid. This includes all events co-located with Naidex including Smart Home for Assisted Living, Dementia, Care & Nursing Home, Home Care Expo, Care Tech Live, European Neuro Convention, Medical Imaging Convention, European Oncology Convention and AI&ML Convention.
Further to its announcement of postponement last week, the organiser of leading independent living show Naidex, is pleased to be able to announce the new dates of 9th and 10th November 2020. The event will take place at the same venue the NEC Birmingham and all tickets remain valid. This includes all events co-located with Naidex including Smart Home for Assisted Living, Dementia, Care & Nursing Home, Home Care Expo, Care Tech Live, European Neuro Convention, Medical Imaging Convention, European Oncology Convention and AI&ML Convention.
Changemakers: Hitting the right notes
Click here to read Dr Stephen Hetherington’s interview with the Big Issue!
Click here to read Dr Stephen Hetherington’s interview with the Big Issue!
Nottingham Student on ITV!
Click here to see how a six year old from Top Valley isn't letting a lifelong mobility issue get in the way of his love for music!
Click here to see how a six year old from Top Valley isn't letting a lifelong mobility issue get in the way of his love for music!
New Year, New Challenge!
The Vitality Big Half is back on Sunday 1 March 2020 and we have places if you would like to run and raise money for The OHMI Trust.
The Prudential RideLondon 100 mile challenge is back on the 16th August 2020 and we have one special place if you would like to cycle and raise money for The OHMI Trust.
All monies raised will allow OHMI to enable people with physical disabilities to participate in music-making. If you are interested in running or cycling for OHMI, please email: admin@ohmi.org.uk
The Vitality Big Half is back on Sunday 1 March 2020 and we have places if you would like to run and raise money for The OHMI Trust.
The Prudential RideLondon 100 mile challenge is back on the 16th August 2020 and we have one special place if you would like to cycle and raise money for The OHMI Trust.
All monies raised will allow OHMI to enable people with physical disabilities to participate in music-making. If you are interested in running or cycling for OHMI, please email: admin@ohmi.org.uk
OHMI’s General Manager Raises Money for OHMI
Well done to OHMI’s General Manager, Rachel Wolffsohn for completing the 8.5 mile Great Midlands Fun Run and raising almost £500 for OHMI - her favourite charity, of course!
Well done to OHMI’s General Manager, Rachel Wolffsohn for completing the 8.5 mile Great Midlands Fun Run and raising almost £500 for OHMI - her favourite charity, of course!
The Band of the West Midlands Fire Service - Family Christmas Concert
What better way to get in to the Christmas spirit than with a Family Christmas Concert! At 4pm on Sat 8th Dec the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service band will be joined by the Wulfruna Ladies Choir making sure everybody feels merry and bright! They will also be joined by our very own OHMI musicians! Tickets are £10 and free for all accompanied children 16 and under. To book your tickets click here.
What better way to get in to the Christmas spirit than with a Family Christmas Concert! At 4pm on Sat 8th Dec the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service band will be joined by the Wulfruna Ladies Choir making sure everybody feels merry and bright! They will also be joined by our very own OHMI musicians! Tickets are £10 and free for all accompanied children 16 and under. To book your tickets click here.
The 2018 OHMI Conference & Awards
For a full list of the 2018 OHMI Competition winners, click here.
The 2018 OHMI Conference proved to be a richly informative, often emotional, and hugely entertaining two days, showcasing great musicians, instrument makers, educationalist and others in the fields of disability and music-making. Highlights include performances by Valerie Thomforde, Neill Duncan, John Kelly and the Able Orchestra, and many illuminating talks from leading academics and instrument makers.
As best as we discover, this was the first conference anywhere in the world to deal specifically with music and physical disability. Perhaps because of that, the international representation was exceptional. Several speakers made strong references to the “social model” of disability and many disputed assumptions that disabilities of any kind necessary limit musicianship. Mixing academic research and technological developments with the experiences of teachers, disabled musicians (old and young) and the many fascinating demonstrations proved particularly successful.
With so many words and so much music over the two days, a book full of quotations would hardly be representative, but here are just four as a taster:
“No-one should define the limitations of another, rather we should adjust our world to be welcoming and potentially fulfilling for everyone, not just for the characteristics of a presumed majority” - OHMI Chairman, Dr Stephen Hetherington.
"A person with a disability has just as much music in them as someone without a disability" - Neill Duncan
“Instruments are made for people, people should not be made to fit instruments” - Inga Petry
“Disability has nothing to do with ability at all, it’s all about opportunity and potential” - John Kelly
For a full list of the 2018 OHMI Competition winners, click here.
The 2018 OHMI Conference proved to be a richly informative, often emotional, and hugely entertaining two days, showcasing great musicians, instrument makers, educationalist and others in the fields of disability and music-making. Highlights include performances by Valerie Thomforde, Neill Duncan, John Kelly and the Able Orchestra, and many illuminating talks from leading academics and instrument makers.
As best as we discover, this was the first conference anywhere in the world to deal specifically with music and physical disability. Perhaps because of that, the international representation was exceptional. Several speakers made strong references to the “social model” of disability and many disputed assumptions that disabilities of any kind necessary limit musicianship. Mixing academic research and technological developments with the experiences of teachers, disabled musicians (old and young) and the many fascinating demonstrations proved particularly successful.
With so many words and so much music over the two days, a book full of quotations would hardly be representative, but here are just four as a taster:
“No-one should define the limitations of another, rather we should adjust our world to be welcoming and potentially fulfilling for everyone, not just for the characteristics of a presumed majority” - OHMI Chairman, Dr Stephen Hetherington.
"A person with a disability has just as much music in them as someone without a disability" - Neill Duncan
“Instruments are made for people, people should not be made to fit instruments” - Inga Petry
“Disability has nothing to do with ability at all, it’s all about opportunity and potential” - John Kelly
Music & Drama Expo returns to Manchester
Europe’s leading conference for music and drama education will be returning to Manchester on 11 October at a bigger and better venue – Old Trafford’s Manchester Suite!
The event offers free-to-attend CPD seminars and workshops, with sessions on supporting students with additional needs in the music classroom, improving the quality of music provision across hubs and schools, and practical workshops from ABRSM, Trinity College London, and Teaching Artists from Disney’s Aladdin.
You’ll also have the chance to connect with suppliers and browse hundreds of the latest education resources on the exhibition floor, with stands from more than 60 leading performing arts organisations.
Europe’s leading conference for music and drama education will be returning to Manchester on 11 October at a bigger and better venue – Old Trafford’s Manchester Suite!
The event offers free-to-attend CPD seminars and workshops, with sessions on supporting students with additional needs in the music classroom, improving the quality of music provision across hubs and schools, and practical workshops from ABRSM, Trinity College London, and Teaching Artists from Disney’s Aladdin.
You’ll also have the chance to connect with suppliers and browse hundreds of the latest education resources on the exhibition floor, with stands from more than 60 leading performing arts organisations.
European Doctor's Orchestra in Aid of OHMI
Musicians from all over Europe, all of whom are doctors, will come together under the direction of conductor Simon Wright in a concert at Warwick Arts Centre on June 3rd. The EDO have generously offered the net proceeds from the event as a donation to the OHMI Trust. Thank You, EDO!
Their programme will feature OHMI Ambassador Nicholas McCarthy (famously, the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music) performing the Ravel Concerto for Left Hand, and saxophonist and finalist of the BBC Young Musicians 2016, Jess Gillam, performing a transcription of Marcello’s Oboe concerto. Nicholas has also kindly agreed to tell us his personal story at the concert. For more information click here.
Musicians from all over Europe, all of whom are doctors, will come together under the direction of conductor Simon Wright in a concert at Warwick Arts Centre on June 3rd. The EDO have generously offered the net proceeds from the event as a donation to the OHMI Trust. Thank You, EDO!
Their programme will feature OHMI Ambassador Nicholas McCarthy (famously, the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music) performing the Ravel Concerto for Left Hand, and saxophonist and finalist of the BBC Young Musicians 2016, Jess Gillam, performing a transcription of Marcello’s Oboe concerto. Nicholas has also kindly agreed to tell us his personal story at the concert. For more information click here.
OHMI is a Finalist in the 2018 Music Teachers Awards!
OHMI Music Makers is a finalist in the category of the Best SEND Resource in the 2018 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence! The winners will be announced on 22nd February 2018 at an event in London, hosted by Classic FM.
OHMI Music Makers is a finalist in the category of the Best SEND Resource in the 2018 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence! The winners will be announced on 22nd February 2018 at an event in London, hosted by Classic FM.
