January 2017
Surrey Teaching Pilot Up and Running
We are delighted that the teaching pilot in Surrey is now well underway.
Students are learning a range of instruments including,
trumpet, cornet, trombone and recorder. The brass instruments all
use stands to replace the supporting hand and the recorder is the 2014
competition winner created by Aafab and Peter Worrell with special
key work to allow all the notes to be played without the use of one
hand. Students aged between 10-16 were recruited through two taster
days in the Summer and are all very excited at the opportunity to learn
a musical instrument, most for the first time.
Students aged between 10-16 were recruited through two taster days in the Summer and are all very excited at the
opportunity to learn a musical instrument, most for the first time. 3 brass teachers and 1 woodwind teacher are
working with the students for a year and all are aiming to complete an ABRSM Music Medal exam.
OHMI Competition Coming Soon
After huge success since its launch in 2013, the OHMI Competition will be open for
entries between 1st March – 31st March. Each year the Competition has grown bigger
and better and this year we are pleased to announce a NEW category of 'most improved
young player'.
The OHMI Competition challenges entrants from across the globe to develop
instruments that can be played without the use of one hand and arm. Successful designs
are then used to make instruments playable for a range of disabilities. The challenge is
open to everyone including, designers, technologists, inventors, instrument makers or
students and is a rare opportunity to help and benefit those who have been excluded
from most forms of music-making. For more information email: [email protected].
Goodbye to Georgie and Welcome Tim & Shoshana
A farewell to Georgina Rawson who is moving on to new pastures. Georgie was taken on as the Teaching
Pilot Manager to oversee the day to day running of the these innovative projects. Thanks to her ambition and
hard work, the pilots have enabled us to put specially adapted instruments into the hands of those with
physical disabilities.
A big welcome to Tim Low who will replace Georgie and take on the role of Assistant
Manager. Tim has recently stepped down after 17 hectic years as the Head of Solihull
Music Service. He is now able to pursue a variety of other interests and pursuits, and is
looking forward to helping OHMI work with music hubs to expand their range of
provision for children with physical disabilities. Shoshana Pavett will take on special
projects like the Annual OHMI Competition.
OHMI Founder Awarded an MBE
We are pleased to announce that Dr Stephen Hetherington,
Founder of the OHMI Trust and HQ Theatres Trust and an
Honorary Fellow of Exeter University has been awarded an
MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List. Stephen founded
the OHMI Trust in 2011 and has since pioneered the
development and adaptation of musical instruments for the
physically disabled, seeking to achieve undifferentiated
participation in musical life for those previously excluded
from music-making. Speaking about his award, Stephen said:
“This has come as a quite wonderful surprise. And an honour shared with the OHMI Trust, its staff and
funders, in recognition of the problem we're addressing. It's a real encouragement for us all.”
The Big Life Fix
In December you may have seen a new show on BBC Two,
“The Big Life Fix” with Simon Reeve. This exciting series saw
a team of skilled scientists, engineers and designers create
bespoke technology for individuals and groups to transform
their lives for the better.
The Fix team are now looking for more people to take part in series 2. They are keen to feature a musician (or budding
musician) who is currently unable to play their instrument due to a health condition, old age etc. The team will then
see whether it’s possible to adapt the instrument to make it lighter, operable with one hand or generally easier for them
to play. If anyone is interested in finding out more please email.
Surpass a Life Defined by Disability
On the 28th - 30th March, 12,000 consumer, healthcare professional and trade visitors in the independent
living and disability sector will be taking over the Birmingham NEC for three of the most
enterprising days the industry has ever seen. Naidex is Europe’s largest event dedicated to
the care, rehab and lifestyle of people with a disability or impairment.
Setting no limit on potential Naidex combines 250 world-class exhibitors, 150 thought
provoking speakers, industry-leading experts, 1-2-1 advice, live demos, specialised zones
(including Mobility, Children, Vision and Tech to name a few!), a fully hands-on inclusive
marketplace and unrivalled networking opportunities.
Motivating, inspiring and forward-thinking, Naidex gives you the future of disability
technology, services, lifestyle and care. Register for your free ticket here.
Music & Drama Education Expo
On the 9th January we will be giving a special talk, together with
Birmingham City University, at the Music & Drama Education Expo at the
London Olympia. You’ll find out more about our work and the research
that’s being done into the use of adapted musical instruments. Come and join
us at 1:30 in the Seminar Theatre. Click here for more info.