Building confidence and wellbeing through music
Creating connections and a sense of belonging
Developing communication and life skills
Eight-year-old Oliver is Deaf and autistic. Through tailored piano lessons using visual resources and colour-coded notation, he has grown in confidence and musical ability. Within just six months, he received his school's Year 4 Music Certificate for his progress and commitment.
Barney joined Music of Life in 2016, discovering his passion for drumming. With years of encouragement and opportunities to develop, he went on to perform and speak at the Houses of Parliament in September 2026, demonstrating the power of long-term musical support.
Through accessible piano lessons delivered in British Sign Language, Lukas developed a fascination with musical pitch and began choosing to wear his hearing aids during lessons. His journey highlights how Deaf-led music education can open new possibilities.
I have seen such amazing progress with our pupils, especially those that were preverbal. The singing has opened up a new world to them. Even if they don't speak, they will sing the words to a song. Their confidence has grown. We found pupils that we didn't even know had beautiful voices who've blossomed. It brings everybody together. There's no recognition of disability. It's all ages, all disabilities. So nobody notices because we're all together as one group singing as a whole school.
About Hafsa, who grew in confidence and began playing duets with friends
Selly Oak Trust School
Ruth Montgomery, Oliver's music teacher
