Unlocking music

Music and the Deaf challenges the misconception that deaf people cannot be involved in, or access, music. Through educational workshops, talks and published resources, many deaf people and their families have been given a platform to enjoy music. Music and the Deaf works with hearing-impaired services to deliver music to deaf children and young people in schools throughout the UK. The organisation’s work is fundamental to Early Years and Key Stage 1 National Curriculum delivery, and has been recognised by the Department for Children, Families and Schools and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. At the heart of Music and the Deaf’s work are profoundly deaf musicians – Dr Paul Whittaker OBE (Artistic Director) and Danny Lane (Education and Projects Manager). Both promote the benefits of music for deaf people, as well as identifying the need for professional intervention to enable participants to gain increased confidence and self esteem.

Lane firmly believes that in order to get the most out of an early years session it must include activities that are hands-on, tactile and practical: “Typically, a workshop will begin with some games that introduce a theme for the day. A wide range of musical concepts such as rhythm, tempo and pitch… are used to offer visual and tactile sensation. Movement and visual props help make the activities understandable. We usually end with a performance that enables the participants to share their work and achievements.” Music and the Deaf integrate specialist training into their early years delivery, so that teachers and leaders can develop the necessary skills to work with deaf children. Lane recognises the benefits of involving parents in the learning process, to enable them to support their child’s development at home: “Teachers and parents need confidence in engaging young deaf children in music making. Our workshops and resources aim to provide the skills and ideas to help improve interaction between deaf children and their families.”
In December 2008, Music and the Deaf (in partnership with South Asian Arts-uk, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and William Henry Coulter Trust) delivered a series of South Asian music and dance workshops for primary school deaf children, their parents and teachers. The project culminated with the launch of the charity’s latest ‘Keys to Music’ guide – ‘Exploring South Asian Music and Dance’ (Early Years and Key Stage 1). The project used traditional South Asian instruments including the sitar, tabla and harmonium, and the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam, to focus on sign gestures and movement – similar to British Sign Language. The workshop sessions contained elements of team building, communication and confidence building, and were designed to help teachers and parents deliver fun, practical and hands-on activities to deaf children. These activities aim to support and stimulate a child’s personal and artistic development. The Keys to Music guide enables parents to take part in the sessions and try out ideas with their children at home, from learning about rhythm using body percussion, to developing literacy and numeracy skills through story-telling and Bollywood dance.