Now Hear This Music C.I.C. specialises in facilitating accessible and inclusive practical music activities for all ages and all abilities. We have been awarded a Creative Freelancer Grant from Culture West to research and develop our short course in playing and writing music in different community settings.
We know that it can be difficult for parents and children to all engage in the same activity. For the next stage of this project, we can offer fully funded places for up to six families who have at least one member with a disability.
In running these 5 sessions at The Barn in Clevedon, we aim to provide a space where at least one other member of your family can participate in structured, focused creation and performance of a new piece of music, in coproduction with our experienced practitioners, in a more relaxed and informal setting.
There is enough space in The Barn for other attendees to sit back and observe if they do not wish to contribute to the music making. All members of your family group must remain under the supervision of the responsible adult member of your group at all times.
What to expect:
A chat about participants’ favourite music, listening to some examples for inspiration.
No musical experience is needed. All that is required is the ability to work effectively with others in a semi-structured environment.
Lots of accessible musical instruments and other resources, including Soundbeam assistive music technology and Figurenotes colour coded charts for those who like to use a visual guide. If you have your own instruments and want to bring them please let us know.
Development of basic ensemble skills such as playing in time together and following a band leader.
Creation of a new piece of music through play and exploration, to be recorded and shared with other participants.
A structured and progressive approach to coproducing music.
The primary participant should be able to engage for 90 minutes (with comfort and body breaks) and have availability to attend all 5 workshops.
To conclude the 5-week course we will have a sharing session on Wednesday 4th June, when we will be joined by participants from the other groups we have worked with during this project.
Workshop Session Times
Wednesdays 16:00-17:30
April 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21
Shared Performance Opportunity
Wednesday 4 June 16:30-17:30
Where?
Clevedon Children's Centre
The Barn
Clevedon
BS21 6HB
FAQ:
Do I need to be able to read or play music?
No, we cater to all abilities. Participants can play percussion, instruments coded with Figurenotes and use adaptive technologies such as Soundbeam 6.
What is a disabled family group?
At least one family member is identified as having a disability. We hope for them to attend with their immediate family group, which could contain parents/guardians, siblings or children. The group must include the parent/guardian of anyone under 18. Parents/guardians remain responsible for their family members’ supervision throughout.
Why are we including the family?
We have identified that attending traditionally taught music settings is difficult when members of the family have disabilities. This venue provides accessible facilities and spaces to spread out, all located on the ground floor. We have also seen a range of positive impacts on participants from sharing their learning experience with immediate family members.
How are places allocated?
On a first come, first served basis. Once the spaces have been allocated, we will keep a waiting list and, in the event of drop-outs, contact people in the order that enquiries came through to us.
Is there parking?
There is parking directly outside The Barn, including a number of accessible spaces, in a free public car park at Great Western Road East car park. Further parking with disabled spaces is located at Great Western Road West car park 150m away.
Refreshments
We will provide squash and biscuits in a space in the same room, away from the musical instruments.
If you have any further questions, including around accessibility, please get in touch to discuss.