Identities of dis/ability and music

Abstract

Centring on a small‐scale capability‐based case study of music provision for adults with profound dis/abilities, this paper considers the significance of music and music education in people’s lives. It offers a philosophical defence of music’s importance in enjoying a truly human life and then, drawing on an overview of the work of dis/abled artists and the findings of the case study, it addresses two issues that may inhibit those with dis/abilities from achieving the good life through musical endeavour: the provision of specialised musical equipment to enable people of different physical abilities to achieve the same end of making music; and the element of shame that may cause those with dis/abilities to accept a reduced standard of living. Although our immediate concern is with musical provision for those with profound dis/abilities, our argument is pertinent to other marginalised groups and curricula.