Launched in 2018, the Inclusive Access to Music Making (IAMM) Programme aims to create a more inclusive music industry by making adaptive instruments and equipment both accessible and affordable for disabled players of all ages.
We have been making this a reality through a number of initiatives, thanks to the help of a wide range of partners.
Click through below to read more about some of our key pieces of work conducted as part of the IAMM Programme.
Keep up to date
We have a lot of exciting plans for the future of the IAMM Programme, including an update to the Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments and the creation of a new central information hub for all things relevant to inclusive and accessible music making.
If you would like to receive updates on the IAMM Programme, sign up to our IAMM mailing list below.
Alternatively, if you’d like to get involved in this crucial IAMM work, please do get in touch at info@creativeunited.org.uk.
The Inclusive Music Consortium
The Inclusive Music Consortium is made up of a group of organisations originally brought together in 2018 as ‘The Take it away Consortium’, forming an important and exciting partnership between Creative United and leading UK music organisations Music for Youth, Open Up Music, The OHMI Trust, Technology in Music Education (TiME) and Youth Music.
The principal purpose of the Consortium is to create a forum for the exchange of information and ideas that support the advancement of:
- Understanding the existing and potential demand for adapted musical instruments, assistive equipment and accessible technology by aspiring and professional musicians of all kinds, and in particular disabled children and adults
- Advocating for the development, production and supply of accessible musical instruments and equipmentto enable inclusive access to music making for people of all ages
- Exploring ways in which we can support music industry professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to ensure that music services and experiences of all kinds are delivered in an inclusive and accessible way
- Raising the profile of music making by disabled children and adults byincreasing awareness of the opportunities and sources of support available through the work of the Consortium partners, and others
Find out more about our Consortium partners below.
Music for Youth
- Music for Youth is a national youth arts charity working to provide young people aged 21 and under across the UK with free, life-changing performance and progression opportunities, regardless of background or musical style.
- Established in 1970, their mission is simple: they believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
Open Up Music
- Open Up Music empowers young disabled musicians to build inclusive youth orchestras. Together they develop accessible musical instruments and repertoire, challenge expectations and forge new progression routes through the creation of great music.
The OHMI Trust
- The OHMI Trust is a UK-based charity pioneering the development and adaptation of musical instruments for those who are physically disabled. Any deficiency or disability in one hand or arm makes traditional instruments unplayable to any reasonable standard. As a result, millions across the world are excluded from music-making for the lack of suitable instruments.
- This includes people with congenital disabilities, amputees, those who have suffered a stroke, developed arthritis, cerebral palsy and hemiplegic. The organisation was established in 2011 by Dr. Stephen Hetherington, who began his career as an orchestral musician. It was Stephen’s own hemiplegic daughter, Amy, who alerted him to the lack of instruments available to disabled musicians.
Technology in Music Education UK
- ‘Technology in Music Education UK’ is an alliance of music Industry organisations, dedicated to increasing the awareness and potential of Music Technology. We believe in “Music Technology for All”. This includes those with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, as well as those with Accessibility and Wellbeing concerns.
- TiME brings music educators and industry professionals together, as well as the informal music education and community groups. TiME increases awareness, access and connectivity between the education and music industry sectors.
Youth Music
- Youth Music are a national charity investing in music-making projects for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances. They believe everyone should have the chance to make music.
- Their projects help young people develop musically, as well as having personal and social outcomes too.
- Youth Music know that those facing difficulties – economic problems, lifelong conditions, tough circumstances or behavioural issues – are often the ones who get the most out of music-making.
- Youth Music offers meaningful chances to young people in complicated situations.
To see news updates on some of our projects we’ve worked on together since forming, please click the button below:
