Adaptive musical instruments open up the world for people with disability.
At some point in our lives, many of us have considered learning a musical instrument. Research shows that playing instruments is highly beneficial for both our bodies and brains. However, people with disability often miss out on these benefits because standard instruments aren’t always accessible. Playing traditional instruments can be challenging for people with mobility restrictions or sensory or intellectual disability. By adapting or modifying how instruments are played, we can open up the musical world to everyone. A different way of playing the cello. Many professional musicians form a deep connection with their instruments, often describing it as falling in love. Christina Hayes, who fell in love with the cello as a child, became a professional cellist performing in orchestras across Australia and Europe. However, in her 30s, she developed spondylolisthesis, a condition that causes the spinal vertebrae to slip. Playing the cello became incredibly painful due to her spinal injury. “When you play, the weight of the cello rests on your torso and pushes against your lower back,” Hayes explains. As a professional musician, she often held this position for hours. Her injury not only disrupted her career, but she also lost the ability to play for pleasure.
