British organisation Attitude is Everything focuses on accessibility in the live music sector. Now it’s launching a new campaign called ‘Beyond the Music’ which aims to create more opportunities for Deaf and disabled people in the music industry.
The campaign will be “supporting Deaf and disabled people to gain the necessary skills, experience, support and contacts they require to work or volunteer in the music industry, while providing training, resources and guidance to help music businesses build a truly inclusive work environment”.
It kicks off today with a survey aimed at Deaf and disabled people who work in the industry (or want to) – their answers will be used to inform the three-year project.
The campaign already has support from several British venues and charity Youth Music, while Attitude is Everything has also been invited to join umbrella industry body UK Music’s diversity taskforce.
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As a profoundly Deaf musician, who has been involved in music my whole life I’m pleased to see this initiative. I assume you will cover all areas of the music industry- pop, production, classical, theatres, venues, etc.
My own field is mostly classical and theatre, having worked with many orchestras, opera companies and choirs over many years. One vital element is good music training for Deaf people, as well as ensuring that those who support/interpret for them also have the necessary music skill and knowledge.
I’ve worked at the BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival, Aldeburgh Festival, many huge venues and have an ongoing (8 years project) with an international touring orchestra- the Mahler Chamber orchestra- providing music workshops for Deaf young people. And for 27 years I founded and ran “Music and the Deaf” before leaving that to pursue a freelance career.
I’m very happy to offer my knowledge and experience should you require it.