Innovative music program for children with disabilities seeks new cohort for 2025

A group of musicians perform on a stage
The program supports teachers and families to open the world of music to more children, enabling them to study music from a young age like any other musician. Image credit: Nic Tsourlenes.

A University of Melbourne research program run in conjunction with Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO), the Adaptive Music Bridging Program, is currently seeking a new cohort of young musicians to join its program in 2025.

Led by researcher Dr Anthea Skinner from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, the program supports children with a disability to use adaptive musical instruments to develop their musical knowledge and skills.

Now in its third year, the program is open to students aged between 8 and 14 years who have a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition or are Deaf or neurodiverse. It is suitable for both new learners who have struggled to access instrumental music education, and current players whose needs are not being met by standard instruments or teaching techniques.

Dr Skinner said the program supports teachers and families to open the world of music to more children, enabling them to study music from a young age like any other musician.

“While many music teachers want to be inclusive, they don’t always have the resources or specialist knowledge to adapt instruments and provide adaptive instruction,” she said. “We want to support them to include students whose needs differ.”

As part of the program, students meet once a week, rehearsing at the same time and in the same buildings as other ensembles in the MYO community. The project team will work with students to assess their physical and musical skills and preferences to help them to choose or adapt an instrument that is suitable to their needs.

The team will then work with participants to provide the foundations of instrumental music education, including music literacy and performance skills to prepare them to audition for MYO ensembles or take part in other musical experiences.

Participation is free, however students will need to purchase their own musical instruments. Find out more about the Adaptive Music Bridging Program, including how to apply.