DMLab is a space for Disabled and Non-Disabled musicians, technologists, and makers to exchange practices and explore new accessible instruments.
At this event, we consider the role that AI can play in accessible music-making, with presentations from 3 guests currently exploring the intersection.
Event overview
When: Tuesday 13 October
Time: Doors 6.30pm, first presentation 7pm, doors close 9pm
Venue: Nordoff and Robbins, 2 Lissenden Gardens, London, NW5 1PQ or online
Featuring presentations from:
- Andre Louis (he/him): A blind musician, composer, producer and accessibility consultant.
- Michael Neokleous (he/him): PhD student at the Music, Dementia, Technology project, at the University of Sheffield.
- Megan Steinberg (she/her): A composer and turntablist exploring accessibility in the creative process.
More
As usual, the event will also include opportunities for networking and music making and testing a selection of instruments from Drake Music’s Accessible Musical Instrument Collection.
While this will be an in-person event, there will also be the opportunity to view the presentations online. Register for an online ticket to receive the YouTube link, which will be shared ahead of the event.
Meet the speakers
Andre Louis (he/him)
Image description: A man wearing sunglasses is facing the camera in a music studio setting. He is playing an instrument which is out of view of the camera.
Andre (AKA Onj) is a versatile London-based musician, composer and producer working across genres. A blind musician and accessibility advocate, he was the first blind person to test Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol accessibility features. He teaches blind students Logic Pro and, since 2021, has collaborated with Drum & Bass producer Zero T.
Andre will be talking about Ableton Move and how one man’s vibe-coding project turned it into the most accessible groovebox on the planet for a screen-reader user. Here is a teaser of what to expect.
Michael Neokleous (he/him)
Image description: A Middle-aged white southern European man, with grey-white stubble, wearing round horn-rimmed black glasses and a red woolly hat.
PhD student at the Music, Dementia, Technology project, at the University of Sheffield. Michael’s research entails applying a participatory co-design methodology to generate insight on how AI can support people with dementia engage in music-making.
In previous lives, he composed music and designed sound for theatre, taught at primary school and played in rock bands.
Megan Steinberg (she/her)
Image description: A white woman with dark hair down to their chest looks at the camera, They wear all black and have a tattoo of a vinyl record and flowers. Credit: Freya Jones.
Megan Steinberg is a composer and turntablist exploring accessibility in the creative process. Her music has been performed internationally, including at Café OTO in London, Roulette Intermedium in New York, and Queens Hall in Edinburgh.
In 2022, Megan was an Artist in Residence at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival with the Australian Art Orchestra. In 2023, she was Composer in Residence with CoMA London, and Composer Fellow at NEO Voice Festival, LA. In 2024, Megan was listed as a trailblazer in music, inclusion and accessibility by the BRIT Awards. Megan has a PhD in Composition from Royal Northern College of Music.
Access
- Visit our online Access Guide for detailed access information
- Nordoff Robbins is step-free & wheelchair accessible via a permanent entrance ramp and automatic main entrance doors.
- The property is gated and you will need to buzz the intercom to be let in.
- The session will be held in the event room, which is level throughout, located on the ground floor.
- There is an accessible changing toilet facility on the ground floor.
- We will have live captions and BSL interpreters at the session (also on the livestream).
- The venue does not currently have an induction hearing loop.
- There will be a quiet space available.
- Assistance dogs are welcome with prior notice.
Please let us know of any specific access requirements when registering for the event.
The Nordoff Robbins London Centre (2 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1PQ) is close to several public transport options. We are close to Gospel Oak Station and Kentish Town Station. The centre can be accessed via the C11, 88 and 214 bus [Glenhurst Avenue / Lissenden Gardens stop].
