Presentations on Approach and Methodology 
On Friday, November 12, My Music Ability took place online via Zoom. The program featured two presentations. Denis Huna from Tabula Musica in Switzerland discussed their approach, while Brendan Breslin from Le Chéile (le-kay-la) & the Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland further elaborated on the methodology. In both orchestras, musicians play adapted instruments such as the Sound Beam or iPad.
 

Interactive Workshops and Knowledge Sessions 
On Saturday, November 13, My Music Ability took place at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. After the musical kickoff by My Breath My Music, Melissa Bremmer and Serhat Agacan opened the day. Then, participants took part in interactive workshops or knowledge sessions in various spaces. In the SKUGworkshop, music was made on a specially developed iPad for people with physical disabilities. Using eye-gaze technology, individuals can control areas on the iPad screen, which then produce sound.

The tablet also played a significant role at Drake Music Scotland. They also showcased many examples of how their orchestra members with multiple disabilities were able to play musical instruments. Some musical instruments are operated by registering biting movements in a mouthpiece. Other digital instruments are played by wearing a headband that can detect facial expressions or even brainwaves.

In the afternoon, it was time for the knowledge sessions. Vincent Lamers and Iris van Doggenaar, both working in education, demonstrated how to let children with multiple disabilities experience music in a multimodal way (feeling, seeing, and hearing music). Organizations such as Tune In, the Jostiband, and Philadelphia Zorg are developing knowledge on how to integrate music into care. Thus, everyone contributes to making music education and music participation inclusive in the Netherlands.

Between the workshops and knowledge sessions, there was time for a musical interlude. During their Artist in Residence, Drake Music Scotland accompanied students from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and Karin van Dijk, player of the Magic Flute, in creating their own compositions. Together, they performed their musical pieces on both traditional instruments and iPads.

After all the workshops, the 'sign dance' energizer led by Serhat got everyone moving. The event was concluded by Hedwig Verhoeven, director of the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, and Sanne Scholten, director of LKCA. Together, they reiterated the importance of sharing knowledge and utilizing the Samen Cultuur Maken scheme. "It touches me that many people have no idea that all of this is happening, that the professionals involved in this field receive much less appreciation than those who provide regular offerings. I feel an enormous drive to fight for that!" - Sanne Scholten, director of LKCA.

The message from Kalyn Heffernan, master of Ceremonies of her Krip Hop Band Wheelchair Sports Camp, is emblematic of the event: Provide a safe place for students and learners to develop their talents and tell their own stories.

Looking for more national cultural activities for people with and without disabilities? Then check out the map of inclusive performing arts.