In Autumn 2011, DM Education carried out a nationwide consultation into disabling barriers to formal music education. The consultation findings are posted here in the 'Experiences' section of the DM Education web pages becuase they represent a signficant insight into the experiences of the SEN/Disabled young people / musicians, teachers and music educators who shared their views.
Higher education
P Scales Level Descriptors
By Alex Ivanovich - 27/10/2011P Scales are a format for assessing progress for students who are operating below National Curriculum Level 1. This useful document (which can be downloaded as a pdf file here) describes how to assess what level a student is at for a wide range of subjects. Level descriptors for music are on pages 27-29.
The Grid 2 Music Resources
By dougbott - 21/10/2011The Grid 2 is computer software that provides 'an all-in-one package for communication and access'. Within formal music education, The Grid 2 can enable disabled students to use music software on a PC that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Prima Vista braille scores and other resources
By Lydia at Prima Vista - 19/09/2011Prima Vista publishes braille music and carries out research and development in braille music technology projects. Visitors to Prima Vista's website at http://primavistamusic.com can browse by ear for braille editions and then buy them as digital downloads or embossed scores. The catalogue ranges from pop to classics and is constantly growing, but if you don't find what you want, you can send an email to suggestions@primavistamusic.com.
ABRSM Graded Music Exams
By dougbott - 10/09/2011ABRSM now offer a comprehensive set of guidelines on their website for candidates with special needs who want to take Graded Music Exams:
ABRSM Performance Assessment
By dougbott - 10/09/2011ABRSM offer the Performance Assessment as an alternative to their Graded Music Exams in acknowledgement of the fact that 'an exam is not always the most appropriate kind of assessment'. Participants can play their own choice of repertoire and come away with a written report containing constructive comments and advice from a member of the ABRSM examining panel.
Supporting a disabled undergraduate music student
By Filhill - 09/09/2011For more than 18 months now I’ve been assisting a disabled student with the first module of a music degree course. My role has been a largely technical one - to create an Assistive Technology set-up that will enable the student to do the course, and to work with him in learning how to use it. I’m not going to name the student or the University, as the whole experience raises some potentially sensitive issues.
RNIB Music Advisory Service
By dougbott - 04/09/2011The RNIB Music Advisory Service (MAS) is an information resource for people with sight problems. The MAS web-page contains information and advice on music education at all levels, from the earliest signs of interest to advanced studies. The MAS team can also be contacted direct via telephone or email - see the web-page for contact details.
Breaking the ‘glass ceiling’ to get a degree in music
By Mark Rowland - 25/05/2011I didn’t have the opportunity to gain accreditation in music at my special school, so it was 10 years before I finally got a place to study music at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) in 2001. From LIPA I moved on to Chester College, from where I graduated in 2006 with a degree in Commercial Music Production. If my school had offered the opportunity to be accredited in music, it wouldn’t have taken more than 15 years to get my degree!
Here’s some background on my work with Drake Music, and my journey towards getting my degree.