My Music Ability - Drake Music Scotland
In March 2018, the highly successful AIR project My Music Ability took place—an initiative targeting student involvement in inclusive music education through the utilization of music technology. For this AIR project, Drake Music Scotland was invited to serve as the artist in residence (additional details on the 2018 edition can be found here). Drake Music is a pioneering organization in inclusive music education and technology within Europe. In 2021, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) extended another invitation to Drake Music for a follow-up to the successful 2018 AIR programme.
While the 2018 focus was on the application of music technology, the emphasis in the latest edition was on music didactic strategies applicable in inclusive ensembles. The programme also delved into arrangements tailored for such ensembles, with careful consideration given to the integration of new music technology."
Edition 2021
From November 10 to 13, 2021, Drake Music Scotland was invited as a guest at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam by the Music in Education (ODM) programme. Artistic director Pete Sparkes and Drake musician Ali Gillies conducted a 3-day workshop programme, engaging 11 undergraduate and graduate students from the Departments of Music Education, Jazz, and Classical Music. Collaborating with guest musician Karin van Dijk of My Breath My Music, an inclusive ensemble was established during the workshop.

Muzikante Karin van Dijk - foto: Edoland
Throughout the workshops, students were exposed to various music didactic strategies and artistic concepts applicable to inclusive ensembles. The discussions delved into critical examinations of ideas surrounding 'dis'ability and inclusiveness. Participants were introduced to the 'social versus the medical model of disability' and were prompted to reconsider their perspectives on music, musicianship, and the fundamental nature of musical instruments. The curriculum covered the intricacies of working with an inclusive ensemble, spanning from its establishment to project management.

Pete Sparkes aan het werk met de studenten – foto: Edoland
The workshops primarily focused on utilizing iPads and the ThumbJam programme. The iPad serves as the primary instrument in the Digital Orchestra, the world's first youth orchestra for young individuals with disabilities, established by Drake Music Scotland in 2016. It is considered a powerful tool with immense potential for people with disabilities. Students were instructed on creating music using the ThumbJam programme and explored its capabilities. Additionally, the workshop introduced 'FigureNotes,' which is a highly accessible form of music notation.

Experimenteren met het programma ThumbJam – foto: Edoland
The AIR project was showcased at the My Music Ability 2 conference on November 13th, featuring a performance by the inclusive ensemble and reflections from the students on their experiences with the project. Download here the final report
For morre information:
- Drake Music Scotland: https://drakemusicscotland.org
- Social model of disability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s3NZaLhcc4
- Digital Orchestra: https://drakemusicscotland.org/what-we-do/digital-orchestra/
- FigureNotes: https://drakemusicscotland.org/figurenotes/