10 UK Organisations Who Are Platforming Learning Disabled Young Musicians

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This Learning Disabilities Week (16 – 22 June 2025), we’re shining a light on some incredible organisations, charities and initiatives which are platforming Learning Disabled young musicians in the UK, and helping children with Learning Disabilities through the power of music and sound.

All Aboard

As part of Doncaster’s creative health and learning charity, darts, All Aboard is a programme of creative opportunities for Disabled young people. Through accessible sessions in a range of art forms facilitated by professional artists, All Aboard helps Disabled young people to develop their musical skills and confidence within Doncaster SEND schools. 

They have also developed the free Removing Barriers resource for all educators, musicians and school staff, which approaches inclusive music-making using the Social Model of Disability. 

Drake Music

Drake Music is a Disabled-led national arts charity.

Working with people of all ages, their aim is to create a world where Disabled and non-disabled musicians work together as equals through accessible musical opportunities and instruments, the artistic development of Disabled musicians, and more.

Music of Life

Music of Life has been empowering Disabled young people up to age 25 to unlock their musical potential for over 20 years. 

Through individual lessons, choirs, workshops and concerts, Music of Life has provided thousands of young people with musical opportunities, and in turn has improved their confidence, social skills, aspirations and employment prospects. 

Open Up Music

Founded in 2007, Open Up Music strives to bridge the gap between Disabled young musicians and ensemble music making.

Through their Open Orchestra, The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) and the development of a new accessible musical instrument, the Clarion (pictured above), Open Up Music have empowered hundreds of participants each year to access music education and ensembles.

We are also delighted to be working with Open Up Music as one of the delivery partners on our Connect programme!

Soundabout

For almost 30 years, Soundabout has provided Learning Disabled people with the opportunity to make music with their families and communities across the UK and online.

Soundabout also offers a collection of free online musical resources for children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities to help enhance their musical and personal development.

The Music Man Project

The Music Man Project is a world record-breaking international music education charity for those with Learning Disabilities.

Founded by David Stanley BEM, the charity provides accessible music tuition, gives grants for arts education, and offers its students the chance to perform in prestigious venues across the UK and beyond.

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Resources and initiatives

These great organisations share a number of useful materials and frameworks for music-making with Learning Disabled individuals.

IAMM

The Inclusive Access to Music Making Programme (IAMM) aims to make adaptive instruments and equipment both accessible and affordable for disabled players of all ages through a number of initiatives.

ISM

Support and access for Disabled musicans, from the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).

Jessie’s Fund

Jessie’s Fund helps children with Learning Disabilities, additional needs and serious illnesses communicate through music through music therapy in hospices and programmes in SEND schools. 

Sounds of Intent

Sounds of Intent offers an inclusive framework to help people understand how children, young people and adults – including those with a Learning Disability – engage with music in different ways. They also have a number of useful resources built around this framework, designed to support people of different abilities.

Thank you to Drake Music, Soundabout and Open Up for permission to use the images in this news item.

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Are there any other organisations supporting Learning Disabled young musicians we should spotlight? Let us know!