Hear Our Voice aimed to develop and share inclusive practices around youth voice and singing through vocal resources chosen by disabled and non-disabled young people in Lambeth.
The project piloted an inclusive singing initiative and resource for young people that engaged primary and special school students, supported young people with learning needs, particularly those with communication needs. The project also created a Singing Champions group and upskilled teachers in inclusive practice, particularly around using Makaton in their teaching. The project was supported by Sound Connections, Lambeth Music Hub and local schools.
MMS achieved its overall aims providing examples of the benefits of collaborative, inclusive singing opportunities and resources for participants and schools, as well as the limitations and challenges observed within the scope of the project. Results highlight the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the participants, the demand from schools for singing support, and the need for further opportunities and exploration in these areas. MMS hopes the findings of the Hear Our Voice project will help to develop future practice within MMS and Lambeth Music Hub, and support other organisations in how they may approach similar projects.
“Thank you for your support as it has enabled us to produce a pilot project that empowered both the MMS and consequently the Hub to develop several strategic areas (e.g. youth voice, inclusive singing) and provide much needed help to schools in difficult times. It also provided MMS with the resource, space, and guidance to trial new forms of practice, to make mistakes and learn from them, which to me seems to sum up the meaning of the Innovate programme.”
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