Deaf Awareness & Accessibility Workshops for Brass Bands
An inspiring online workshop series supporting Brass Bands to become more Deaf-aware, inclusive and accessible. Through practical and engaging sessions, participants will explore Deaf awareness, BSL, communication, rehearsal environments, performances and the different ways Deaf people can experience, engage with and participate in brass music.
The programme aims to build the knowledge, confidence and capacity of Brass Bands, giving them practical tools to create more welcoming opportunities for Deaf musicians, audiences, learners and communities.
This series of workshops is promoted by the National Centre for Early Music’s I Can Play! team, led by Sean Chandler, and supported by guest speakers. I Can Play with Brass Roots, a partnership between the NCEM and Shepherd Brass Band, won the Brass Band England Band Project of the Year Award in 2024, alongside a nomination for the Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award in 2026, for its inclusive approach to brass banding, particularly in the field of deaf-inclusive music pedagogy.
WORKSHOP SERIES
Workshop 1 – Tuesday 3 November 2026, 8pm-9pm
General Deaf Awareness Session around hearing loss and impact on language and musical development.
Workshop 2 – Tuesday 10 November 2026, 8pm-9pm
Sharing the blueprint for I Can Play Brass! with band organisations around the country.
Workshop 3 – Tuesday 17 November 2026, 8pm-9pm
Training for players – both those with hearing loss and hearing allies.
Workshop 4 – Tuesday 24 November 2026, 8pm-9pm
Preventative measures and hearing health
Who for?
The sessions are aimed at leaders and members of Brass Bands, particularly those with training bands, Deaf players and their allies, and anyone who is keen to learn how to build understanding of Deafness and make music-making more accessible and inclusive for Deaf players.
Where?
All the sessions will take place on zoom. To join us live, and have the opportunity to ask questions of Sean and the guest speakers, please book your free place online (one booking includes access to all four sessions). Please note that the sessions will be recorded and edited for later sharing on the NCEM website. The sessions will be supported by a BSL interpreter.
How to book
Book once via Eventbrite for access to all four sessions
I CAN DOWNLOAD & PLAY!
Sing songs, make instruments, and play musical games from your own home by watching our videos.
The NCEM is available to hire for anniversaries, birthday parties, wedding receptions, conferences, dinners and musical events.