Finding your musical voice – Poppy
(photo changed for anonymity)
We’ve had the pleasure of working with Poppy this academic year and while she faces significant physical challenges, Poppy is consistently engaged and is a delightful presence in each session.
Using the Sounds of Intent framework highlighted that our initial activities were not fully enabling Poppy’s participation. Viewing this through the lens of the social model of disability prompted us to adapt our workshops to create a more inclusive and enabling environment that accounted for her significant physical challenges.
Early on, Poppy explored acoustic instruments like the ukulele and bells. More recently, she has started to mirror practitioners Alice and Grace when they sing long notes—stretching, opening her mouth wide, and holding eye contact. Importantly, she now initiates these moments, signalling to practitioners that she wants to engage. This shift shows her growing ability to communicate intentionally and interact through music.
Combining acoustic instruments with accessible music tech like ThumbJam has opened up new ways for Poppy to participate. She responds to sensory feedback such as vibrations and makes musically relevant choices—matching notes, pausing, and joining in at the right moments. Poppy has also taken solos that are ambient, expressive, and emotionally resonant, enriching the overall musical experience for the group. Using a karaoke microphone has helped amplify Poppy’s soft vocals, especially when she sings her favourite song, Perfect by Ed Sheeran. It’s allowed her to express herself more fully and feel heard by the group.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring apps that could let Poppy control tempo or volume—giving her more opportunities to lead, make choices, and shape the group’s music in ways that are meaningful to her.
Poppy took centre stage at OmniMusic’s Summer Showcase at the Bridgewater Hall, with her amazing solo on the iPad and vocalised with Alice in their rendition of Perfect. Earning Poppy and her group a massive applause and woops from the audience, well done Poppy!
