MEC Seminar: Race, disability and intersectionality

Disabled people from the Global Majority face unique challenges in music education. Yet, it's essential to explore not only these barriers but also the rich potential and distinct identities that fuel their musical expressions. Our upcoming panel discussion will delve into how these intersecting experiences shape their journey in music. Join us to hear first-hand accounts from those who navigate these challenges, as they share not only their struggles but also their successes and the profound impact of their cultural and personal identities on their musical creativity. MEC is delighted to be partnering with Attitude is Everything for this seminar.

Panel line-up will include:

Clarence Adoo

Clarence is a professional trumpet player. He has played with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta & Northern Sinfonia and many other groups.

In 1995, Clarence was involved in a car crash which broke his neck and left him paralysed from the neck down.  He has kept his musical career alive thanks to advances in technology. A special head-set allows him to select notes via an on-screen cursor and a twist of the neck, while blowing into a tube plays the note and tilting his head varies the volume. Adoo was able to make music again - and in 2012 became one of the founder members of the British Paraorchestra.

Jason Dasent

Jason Dasent has over 25 years’ experience in all aspects of recording and music production. Jason launched Studio Jay Recording in Trinidad in 2000 catering to both the Advertising Sector and Artist Production for many top Caribbean recording artists. He has done Music Scores/ Dialog Replacement & Post-Production for both films & documentaries. As a visually impaired producer he was challenged to overcome the limitations of mainstream music software when “accessibility” was in its infancy. Over the years this has enabled him to compete successfully with his sighted counterparts and makes him well poised to impart his knowledge and experience to other visually impaired producers and engineers.

Miss Jacqui

Miss Jacqui is a Poet and Songwriter who knows a great deal about working with the cards that you are dealt. She is someone who always tries to challenge societal perceptions, like what it actually means to be a black woman with a disability. A wheelchair user herself, Miss Jacqui wants her poetry and music to help her listeners to see the world differently, and to inspire others to feel confident in being themselves. She is also a Spoken Word Artist, Songwriter, and Facilitator.