“Everybody should have the chance to play.”: A conversation reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing inclusivity in music education in England

Booth, Nikki and Wolffsohn, Rachel (2026) “Everybody should have the chance to play.”: A conversation reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing inclusivity in music education in England. British Journal of Music Education, 43 (1). pp. 79-90. ISSN 0265-0517

Preview

Text FINAL_Booth_Wolffsohn_151125.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (278kB)

Abstract

In England, inclusion remains a central theme in educational discourse (DfE, 2015; 2022). Within music education, and particularly in instrumental learning, adapted instruments are sometimes necessary to ensure that learners with physical disabilities can participate meaningfully in music-making. Previous research (Fautley & Kinsella, 2017; Nenadic & Booth, 2024) has highlighted the benefits of such instruments in promoting inclusivity in music classrooms, yet further national-level work is needed. This article, adopting a conversational format, presents reflections from the General Manager of The OHMI Trust on the ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities for improving access to music education for physically disabled learners.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1017/S0265051726100795
Dates:	Date Event 7 November 2025 Accepted 11 May 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Physical disability, inclusivity, instrument, music education
Subjects:	CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education CAH25 - design, and creative and performing arts > CAH25-02 - performing arts > CAH25-02-02 - music
Divisions:	Law and Social Sciences > Education
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2025 11:19
Last Modified:	18 May 2026 09:30
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16765

Actions (login required)

View Item