Competition Rules

OHMI 2020/2021 Competition categories:

Playable

​For instruments capable of performance without further development. Adaptations must have all the capabilities of the original instrument. Where an entry uses new technology, perhaps electronics, it must closely copy the musical characteristics of the instrument it is emulating. Entries in this category must include a detailed explanation of the instrument’s mechanics, facilities and characteristics, and must be demonstrated, either in a video included with the submission or live at the time and place of judging. The demonstrator(s) of the instruments need not be the competition participants. 

Qualifying Instruments submitted in the 'Playable' category:

• The instrument is, or was once, commonly found in a musical ensemble (examples are orchestras, jazz bands, folk groups, or rock groups).
• The instrument must be capable of being performed by one person without the use of one hand and arm in any capacity.

• The instrument must be portable by one person unaided, excluding any loud-speaker systems. If loudspeakers are used they must not contain any special elements or circuitry that are an important part in the instrument design itself (other than for sound output).

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Enabling

For apparatus (straps, stands, harnesses etc.) that make a traditional instrument playable for a specified disability.

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Concept

For the most technically promising solution(s) to the challenge. Entries may be made in any form - paper, video, drawings, etc., just as long as they explain and describe the concept in detail to the competition judges. Several past entries have been projects in development - playable, but not yet to the high standard required.

Copyrights and performance rights

​Neither the competition organisers (The OHMI Trust) nor any of the judges are permitted to take a legal interest in any copyrights, intellectual properties or manufacturing rights in the instruments. All rights will remain with the creators.

Competitors agree to license to the Competition organisers at no cost all copyrights and performance rights in any recordings of the competition auditions and performances that the organisers may make.

Donate to OHMI

There are so many disabled people who are desperate to play music with their peers. We can help to make that happen – but we can only do that with the wonderful support of our funders and donors.

As our instruments have to be hand-made by experts, they can only be produced in small numbers and are therefore expensive.

You can read more about why OHMI’s support is needed and the impact your donation could make to a disabled musician here »

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If you have a query or wish to contact us, please use the contact form available here.

You can also write to us: The OHMI Trust, ​29 Woodbourne Road, ​Harborne, Birmingham B17 8BY​

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​All content © OHMI - Enabling Music-Making for Physically Disabled People
The OHMI Trust is a registered charity (Registered in England and Wales Charity No. 1143623,  Scotland Charity No. SC052047).
​Registered office: 29 Woodbourne Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 8BY