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Our most recent overseas trip took
place last summer to Bangalore in India.
This was a big challenge as we faced
language barriers, cultural differences,
extreme poverty and more.
We need not have been concerned. We
were warmly welcomed by schools and
homes for adults. Staff were receptive to
our teaching and we have kept in regular
contact. There is now a young, dynamic
musical coordinator in Bangalore who has
started organising at least three groups
since our visit.
One touching comment was that the Above: Music Man performers who will appear
music session was “the most joyous time at the Royal Albert Hall; right: in Bangalore;
we have ever had. We couldn’t believe other pictures: lessons and performing at the
how much they have opened up when London Palladium
they have spent their whole life being told
to be quiet.” acted by people with learning disabilities,
Music really does have the power to you can imagine how powerful this
enhance lives and a positive impact on message was.
those with opportunities to experience it. Through inspirational performances
such as this, we are challenging common
Performance misconceptions about what people with
Our performances, whether at the Royal learning disabilities can or cannot do. We
Albert Hall or a local nursing home, aim to have only the highest aspirations about
educate wider society about the journey what our performers can achieve – first providing enjoyment and a much-needed
towards equality of opportunity for and foremost, they are musicians. opportunity for emotional expression.
people with learning disabilities. Our first MMP has won many awards for its MMP is supporting PhD research at the
show at the London Palladium in 2015, unique work. It was deemed “outstanding” Royal College of Music on the wellbeing
included the musical From the Asylum to by Ofsted, which commented on the benefits of music participation for people
the Palladium, which followed the exceptional opportunities it provides. The with learning disabilities. Much anecdotal
journey from the Royal College of Music has described our evidence shows the wide-reaching
harrowing days work as “truly inspiring … the power of positive effects of music but there is a
of the music to bring everyone together was serious lack of empirical evidence. This
institution to very apparent”. It has been praised by pioneering study will offer a valuable
where we are previous and current prime ministers. For insight into this specialist area.
today – and its pioneering work, MMP reached the MMP is excited to be performing at the
showed how finals of the Music Teachers Award for Royal Albert Hall on 15 April. This looks
far we still Excellence twice in the past three years set to be an amazing experience for both
have to and won the 2016 Kids Count Inspiration performers and audience and is a dream
go. As it Best Creative Contribution award. come true for everybody involved.
was More importantly, MMP makes a real Rehearsals have been under way for well
difference to people’s lives. It develops over a year.
the musical instinct that lies within us all This will be a truly remarkable event
to instil confidence and self-esteem, and not just for those with learning
disabilities or with an interest in the field.
Our biggest adventure, it will be a
wonderful evening of music making of the
highest quality. Our students show rare
levels of commitment and determination.
We would love to see you there to share
in this joyous occasion, which marks
another landmark in the journey of equality
for people with learning disabilities. n
● https://themusicmanproject.com/
● Book tickets for the 15 April concert at
the Royal Albert Hall online box office at
http://tinyurl.com/y9vhs2em

Natalie Bradford is a doctoral candidate
at the Royal College of Music and is
regional director and academic adviser at
the Music Man Project

www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 32 No 2 | Winter 2018 17