Specialist instrumental lessons

Online specialist instrumental lessons

In September 2025 we trialled financially subsidised online instrumental lessons in singing and piano for children and young people who are disabled and have additional needs. Lessons were facilitated by our practitioner Kalila and the young people involved developed their instrumental technique, confidence to perform and understanding of music theory. 

Accessing instrumental lessons online works particularly well for those who are disabled and have additional needs, providing opportunity for them to make music in their own home where they have specialist seating if required and a safe, familiar environment with support from parents and carers.

Those involved in the trial made fantastic progress and are looking forward to continuing with these lessons from January 2026.

“Recently, I got the chance to have some online singing lessons through AIM which helped me with my breath control for speaking and singing”. (Beth, singing lessons)

In person specialist instrumental lessons

From January to June 2024 Accessible Inclusive Music (AIM) were delighted to work in collaboration with Becs Leighton Music, Bingley to pilot financially subsidised piano and inclusive music making sessions for children and young people who have additional needs across the Bradford District. With thanks to Give Bradford (Leeds Community Foundation) for subsidising the initial 6-week block of lessons.

During each block of lessons students developed a range of skills on piano, alongside general musicianship skills. This included developing their ability to read basic music notation, playing simple tunes on piano with both or individual hands, exploring different keyboard sounds and pitches, improvising, creating musical ideas and using the piano to play chords to simple pop songs.

Parents and carers were delighted with the opportunity for their children to develop their musical skills through this project:

“A huge, big thank you to all your hard work and fundraising. We do appreciate the piano funding that was given to S. It means more than words can say. Becs is an amazing tutor and so disability friendly…”

Accessible Inclusive Music (AIM) are always interested to hear from music teachers and practitioners with suitable qualifications and experience to deliver accessible and inclusive instrumental lessons in West Yorkshire. Please get in touch via email if this is you: accessible.inclusive.music@gmail.com

“It’s a pleasure to work with a group who put music and children’s well-being at the forefront of what they do, and to work alongside an organisation whose values line up so completely with mine as a music teacher.”

Becs Leighton (Piano, flute and music theory teacher)