Fundamentals of inclusive practice in community music

Workshop day 10.00 – 16.30 

with Ben Sellers

(Workshop will be held in English)

How can we create music programmes that truly allow everyone to participate? In this two-part workshop, renowned British music educator Ben Sellers teaches fundamental ways of thinking and practical tools for consciously inclusive community music work.

The workshop is aimed at everyone who works with groups and wants to make their activities more accessible and barrier-free.

Part 1 – Fundamentals of inclusive practice

This session introduces the social model of disability and shows how it can be meaningfully applied to musical group work. It provides a solid foundation for thinking inclusively and considering barriers from the outset.

Part 2 – Inclusion in practice

The second part takes a practical approach:

• Planning inclusive activities and processes
• Warm-ups and songwriting for diverse groups
• Exchanging information before the sessions
• Comprehensible forms of communication
• iPads and other accessible technologies as musical instruments
• Space for reflection and developing your own ideas

The focus is on making music together and enjoying trying new things. The workshop is suitable for anyone who wants to develop a music programme that is truly accessible to all – regardless of ability, disability or learning needs.

Registration

Participation is free of charge.

Register by emailing matthias.witt@konzerthaus-dortmund.de

Please include your name, occupation (if applicable) and any accessibility requirements.

About Ben Sellers

Ben Sellers is one of the leading voices in inclusive music education in the UK. He supports orchestras and cultural organisations in developing high-quality music education programmes for young people with additional learning and accessibility needs – often using innovative technologies.

He is an Associate Musician at Drake Music, leads the MEHEM UpRising project and curated the UK's first accessible instrument library. His project partners include the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the German-Turkish Youth Bridge and the Royal College of Music.

He is currently completing a PhD at the UCL Institute of Education on the professionalisation of specialists in special schools (UKRI-funded).