This report proposes a framework for tertiary music education providers in Australia to increase the accessibility of their services for people with disability. The research combines best practice recommendations in education and live music performance by drawing on national and international leaders in these fields. The current research points to a gap in literature regarding best practices for accessibility in tertiary music education, and that filling this gap may help to redress the underrepresentation of musicians and composers with disability in the Australian music industry. The study was undertaken during a placement at the Disability Innovation Institute UNSW (DIIU) as part of a Masters in Cultural Leadership at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. The Director of the DIIU, Professor Jackie Leach Scully, supervised the research.
The DIIU is dedicated to disability research across multiple disciplines. It is “grounded in inclusive research where people with disability are involved not just as participants, but as co-creators of knowledge” (DIIU 2021). Staff members of the DIIU are leaders and advocates in their various fields, and a placement at the DIIU offered expert knowledge in disability inclusion as well as observation of leadership in action within a tertiary education context. This foundation was then expanded upon to include interviews with national and international leaders in accessible tertiary arts education and accessible music.
The findings indicate that by adopting the principles of Universal Design for Learning, best practice in live music accessibility, and cultural change through staff training and support, tertiary music education providers may be able to improve the experience of all students as well as provide increased access for students with disability. These three focus areas work together to remove barriers and take the onus of responsibility for access off the students.