It was inconceivable even a generation ago, that somebody with an intellectual disability or a physical disability inhibiting fine motor skills would be able to participate in an Orchestra. Orchestra's had always been associated with the musical elite and for 1 in 7 of our population, the opportunity to develop their artistic essence, to make music, was currently barred. This has changed for ever thanks to an Irish breakthrough called Conductology, invented by Dr Denise White FRSA PhD M.Ed B.Ed (Hons).
Conductology is an extensively-researched, scientifically-proven musical improvisation concept that is right now, transforming the lives of children with disabilities, creating a world where EVERY child can play.
The new universal gesture language is a ground-breaking methodology that enables physically and intellectually challenged children to use conventional instruments and adaptive music technology, including tablet computers and motion sensors, to compose and perform music.
After 5 years of research, an 11 month project incorporated an effective and innovative partnership working with Dr Denise White/Ulster University and Royal Irish Academy of Music, Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), Cork School of Music (CSM) and the Cope Foundation. The research regarded the creation of inclusive ensembles all using the Conductology methodology was carried out, completed and successfully publicly tested to ubiquitous commendations.
A social enterprise is started to teach Conductology with the finest teaching and inspiring programmes through an online academy and offline through educational establishments. However, there is a clear need for a charitable organisation to enable a network of ensembles which will morph into a national, inclusive orchestra. It is a vehicle which drives ability, musicianship, creativity, education and a plethora of skills among children and adults with and without disabilities and will provide these services free locally.
ICIO Mission Statement: To advance high quality music making for everyone through inclusive, accessible, innovative and creative methods and creative technologies.
Aims: To create innovative, consistent opportunities for children, young people and adults with disabilities to create, share and perform high quality music. To challenge perception and address adversity through active and positive community engagement in the Conductology concept.
The ICIO’s core goals are:
1. To establish innovative Conductology music ensembles for children, young people and adults with and without disabilities across the island of Ireland.
2. To utilise the scientifically proven gesture system Conductology© as the methodology of creating high quality music among the ensembles.
3. To introduce the ensembles to inclusive and accessible music making via the means of adaptive music technology and a range of sound objects.
4. To share music making endeavours and experiences and evaluate outcomes and impact.
5. To showcase learned knowledge, skills, capabilities and progress at unified music concerts throughout the year and include local and national competitions.
6. To launch one of the first truely inclusive orchestras of its kind in the world, the Irish Conductology Inclusive Orchestra (ICIO) in September 2020.
Dr Denise’s first ensemble won N.I. People of the Year Award for their contribution to Art. They have also been appointed ‘Ensemble in Residence’ at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. This is a world-first, that an inclusive ensemble be appointed to a national conservatoire anywhere in the world.
The ensemble include dedicated musicians with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome. They are the founding members of the new National Orchestra.
