The University of Melbourne has launched the Adaptive Music Bridging Program with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra for students with disability.
This is the first project aimed at integrating adaptive musical instruments, and the musicians who play them, into an Australian orchestra.
Applications are being accepted until the end of January 2023, with initial assessments from February 4. Classes start in May and are open to students aged 8-14. Classes will be held alongside Melbourne Youth Orchestras’ other ensembles, at the Victorian College of the Arts in Southbank.
The program has two parts, first children are assessed to try a range of instruments to see what their music-making options are. The second, consists of weekly lessons in playing the instrument they have chosen, as well as music literacy, performance etiquette, music history and appreciation.