Disabled young musicians aged between 10 and 19 are being given the opportunity to play in ensembles alongside their able-bodied peers at RBC. In a pioneering partnership between the conservatoire and The OHMI Trust charity, the project places young musicians with an upper-limb weakness, difference or absence in ensembles comprising future music teachers.
The project started as a trial in January 2024, with the aim of creating an environment where disabled individuals could join established ensembles, playing adapted instruments or enabling equipment.
Participants receive 10 rehearsal sessions over the course of the year, in blocks or spread over a number of months. Playing in trios, quartets or larger groups, they have the opportunity to perform at venues such as Symphony Hall, Birmingham, gaining valuable experience and bringing the project and potential for adapted musical instruments to the attention of concert audiences.
Based in Birmingham, but supporting musicians across the world, The OHMI Trust enables children and adults with physical impairments to play the instruments they wish to play, whether at school, in the home or in a professional ensemble.
During the project, disabled and able-bodied students learn together as ‘playing buddies’, to mutual benefit.
Reflecting on the project, Husna, an OHMI Music-Maker, said: ‘I’m a lot more confident now. In the last year, OHMI has provided me with two fantastic opportunities to showcase the skills I’ve learnt: a solo performance at the music festival for Music-Makers at Barton-Under-Needwood, and playing at Symphony Hall. Without the support from OHMI, I feel this wouldn’t have been possible.’
RBC undergraduate Katie Jordan, studying for the degree in Music Performance, said: ‘I’ve found the process really helpful. I’ve not got a lot of one-to-one teaching experience and these sessions have definitely helped me build the confidence to be able to teach more students. It’s fascinating to see the different challenges that come with the one-handed flute as opposed to the standard flute. The one-handed instrument is very tricky for me to play after learning on a regular flute.’
The joint project was made possible thanks to support from the DMF Ellis Charitable Trust and Grantham Yorke Trust. Given its success so far, it is hoped that funding will be found to extend the project next year.
Students interested in getting involved with the project can register their interest by contacting Faye Oakland, OHMI Music-Makers Manager, at faye@ohmi.org.uk
ohmi.org.uk
