Irish breakthrough is transforming the lives of students with disabilities.
Derry-born,Dr Denise White,a multi-award-winning special needs educator and Sean Healy, a young student with an intellectual impairment are pioneering this month a musical concept that will positively impact the lives of people with disabilities the world over, all ages, all cultures, all languages. It’s happening at Creative Ireland funded Le Chéile Project on 29th September ‘19, in Athlone. (UPDATE: The event was an astounding success…. visit www.conductology.ie to read about the life-changing concept.)
In layman’s terms… in a similar way that ‘sign language’ enables deaf/mute persons to communicate with others… this new ‘gesture language,’ “Conductology,” enables any person with any disability, to create and play music and musical instruments.
The concept has been extensively researched and meticulously developed over five years. Results have been recognised and validated by musicians and creativity academics from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Ulster University, Trinity College, Cork Institute of Technology, DCU, Athlone I.T., Share Music in Sweden and several universities abroad.
It is accessible to everyone from pre-schoolers to collegians to those with special needs. Enhances quality music-making, builds social inclusion, breaks down barriers, develops creative thinking and confidence and raises musical aptitude. Impact results indicate increased cognition, communication and social skills and enhanced confidence, self-efficacy, self-determination, and emotional wellbeing, as well as a significant advancement in music skills and advancement. This empowering concept has not been available world-wide until now and has been recognised by musical celebrities as a tremendous advance in music.
Sean cannot read or write, he has an ‘intellectual impairment,’ but the Royal Irish Academy of Music in conjunction with Conductology Ltd., plan to have Sean play and teach ‘Conductology,’ at music academies around the world. Denise and Sean have received the Northern Ireland people of the year award 2018 for their contribution to the Arts. Their small team of unique musicians, ‘Acoustronic,’ have been appointed as ‘Ensemble in Residence’ at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).
This bold and visionary appointment by RIAM is another world first. Acoustronic is the first inclusive ensemble to be appointed as ‘ensemble in residence’ at a national music conservatory anywhere in the world. They will also be the lead ensemble in the Le Chéile Project which will culminate in the founding of the Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the EU’s first national youth orchestra for disabled musicians.
Minister for Culture, Josepha Madigan, “At present, opportunities for persons with disabilities to access active ensemble playing is limited, so the Le Cheile project is a major step towards addressing this inequality.”
Dr Denise’s book ‘The Music Doctor’s Music Improvisation Model for Children’: A Learning and Skills Accelerator for school and home is also being launched in September. Imelda May, Nik Kershaw and Ed Asner have agreed to endorse it!
Denise’s vision of a world-first, scientifically proven, music improvisation system that will transform the lives of vulnerable children around the globe is coming into reality. Creating a world where EVERY child can create and perform high-quality music. Enabling them to be the very best that they can be in a happy, fun-filled environment.
Visit: Yeah! International student magazine
“Music can change the world… because Music changes people,” Bono.
Personally, of course, it’s clear to see God’s Hand all over this.
Harry. PTL.
Five Fold Ministry Ireland 