What's On

Calendar

Search Whole Month

RNCM Disability Week

Now in its second year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of RNCM Disability Week this Spring in memory of composer Lucy Hale.

The week features events exclusively by disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists, creatives, and researchers. From talks to performances, workshops, and demos, we’d love for you to join us as we explore music-making at the forefront of disability arts.

Curated by PhD student and Lucy Hale Doctoral Composer Megan Steinberg, she says, ‘I really want everyone to feel welcome to join in with these three days of ground-breaking events that showcase work by underrepresented artists from across the UK. Whether or not you identify as disabled, d/Deaf or neurodivergent, the music and technology showcased in this week is really engaging and accessible for everyone. The aim of the week is to learn about and promote accessibility in music and technology, with a particular focus on AI. We will be welcoming and hearing from various musicians, makers and researchers who are paving the way for accessibility and new technology in music’.

About Lucy Hale:
Lucy Hale was a composer and disability advocate, who passed in January 2021. Lucy was known for her innovative approach to composition and passion for breaking down barriers. In 2021, Lucy was planning to begin her PhD at the RNCM, in partnership with Drake Music and PRiSM, having won Collaborative Doctoral Award funding to investigate disability and accessibility through composition of new works for accessible musical instruments. This research continues in her name, now carried out by Megan Steinberg.

Throughout the week, the RNCM will also be hosting The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project installation in our café. For more info on the installation please visit: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/events-and-webinars/neurodiversity-umbrella-project/

On Thursday 1 February a range of new and bespoke instruments will be available to demo and explore on the RNCM concourse between 1pm and 6.30pm. Plus meet the makers themselves and learn more about how to make your own instrument!

RNCM Disability Week 2024 is supported by Arts and Humanities Research Council via NWCDTP.