The University of Roehampton welcomed educators, researchers and music practitioners from across the UK for the inaugural Sounds of Intent Conference: Making Sense of Music, Changing People's Lives, celebrating innovative approaches to making music accessible for children and young people with disabilities.
Held at the Elm Grove Conference Centre on 9 June, the conference marked a major milestone for the charity Sounds of Intent, founded by Roehampton's Professor Adam Ockelford. Nearly 90 delegates from schools, charities, music services and universities came together for a day of inspiring performances, research and professional collaboration.
The conference opened with a performance by 15-year-old pianist Chapman Shum, who is partially sighted and has severe autism and hearing loss. Performing his original composition Kennedy Town, inspired by Hong Kong's public transport system, Chapman demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive music education.
Professor Adam Ockelford reflected on the first decade of Sounds of Intent, exploring how its internationally recognised framework has helped educators support musical development across the full spectrum of ability. Delegates also heard about the charity's growing partnerships with organisations including Trinity College London, Live Music Now and Merton Music Foundation.
Throughout the day, speakers showcased pioneering research and practical approaches to inclusive music education. Sessions explored topics including whole-school music programmes, curriculum design, assessment, adaptive technologies and the use of accessible qualifications to support learners with additional needs.
The conference also celebrated the launch of the Sounds of Intent Awards for Schools Scheme, recognising excellence in inclusive music education. Thirty-six schools have already achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold awards, with representatives collecting their certificates during the event.
Interactive exhibition spaces gave delegates the opportunity to explore innovative music technologies and learn more about emerging projects, including the Mugo, a new musical device being developed to increase opportunities for instrumental music-making for people with limited mobility.
The day concluded with a panel discussion examining how schools, families, music services and communities can work together to improve access to music education for children with additional needs.
Delegate feedback highlighted the conference's practical value and collaborative spirit.
"I came away absolutely buzzing with possibilities, having made new connections and met so many inspiring colleagues." Hannah Malhotra, delegate
Reflecting on the event, Professor Adam Ockelford said:
"Everyone's contributions were great individually, and together they definitely added up to more than the sum of the parts — not least because of the children, of course."
The success of the conference highlighted growing demand for opportunities to share best practice in inclusive music education, with delegates suggesting future themes including secondary education, adaptive technologies, hearing loss, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), and cross-curricular approaches.
As the first event of its kind, the conference reinforced the University of Roehampton's commitment to advancing inclusive education, supporting research with real-world impact, and bringing together communities dedicated to transforming young people's lives through music.