Overlooked Rhythms: Unveiling Ignored Accessibility in the Music Industry

Throughout human history, music has resonated as a universal language that transcends barriers, communicates emotions and provides joy and sorrow. Its significance expands when considering the impact on people with disabilities.

“The study of music and disability can make us more aware of the extent to which our physical selves determine how we relate to music: attention to disability and impairment brings greater attention to music as a manifestation of our embodiment, whether it be as listeners, composers or performers.” ---Neil Lerner and Joseph Straus, the authors of Sounding Off: Theorizing Disability in Music.

Unfortunately, currently music industry has not prioritized efforts to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, instead often neglecting the crucial accessibility for this demographic. Understanding and addressing the difficulties of disabled people in their musical journey will not only benefit them but also humanity as a whole, reflecting existing drawbacks and inconveniences in the music industry all the time.

Similar difficulties in access to resources, disabled individuals encounter obstacles in receiving general music education. According to Reshape Music report, the majority of disabled people struggle to find teachers who meet their needs and understand their additional support, placing barriers on their learning journey. While online music lessons alleviate some travel issues, the poor experiences, marked by bad sound, unsynchronized harmony and unclear guidance, hinder the educational process, particularly for those facing physical constraints. Additionally, a significant 63% of surveyed musicians are unaware of instruments specifically tailored to their needs.

Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive music education has contributed to the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in the production field. A survey held by Arts Council England reveals that only 1.8% of people working in the music industry describe themselves as having a disability. With most devices being screen-driven, individuals with sight problems face challenges in navigating them, requiring basic accommodations, such as screen readers or sighted assistance. For those with hearing problems, hearing aid comfort is crucial, along with devices that enable them to appreciate music uniquely. However, many musicians are unwilling to disclose their physical situations due to fear of discrimination, which suppresses voices about improving the production environment in the future.

Moreover, live experiences consistently highlight the beauty of empowerment and euphoria. Presently, an increasing number of live organizations prioritize a multi-sensory experience for greater accessibility. In August 2021, a video of a sign language interpreter for Cardi B's song "WAP" became trendy on the Internet. The interpreter's explicit, dancing interpretation attracted immediate attention to accommodations during live performances. With the assistance of hearing aids, hearing-impaired individuals could feel the bass and rough harmony, and the sign language interpreter transmitted a clearer message of the song's emotion. Also, one of the creative designs which has special scents spreading in the venue contributed to shaping impressive memories of those thrilling moments. The olfactory dimension added another layer to the overall live experience, making it more immersive and memorable for all attendees with a universal language.

In conclusion, my goal extends beyond the availability of fundamental accommodations and technical supports, including the need for a transformation of strict, traditional norms regarding artistic education and appreciation.  This collective journey toward inclusivity is not only a correction to ignorance but also a rediscovery and renewed appreciation of the relationship between our bodies and art, particularly in the era of short videos filled with fast-paced music trends. By challenging traditional methods of participation, embracing technological advances, and questioning on singular standard of artistic appreciation, we altogether help pave the way for a more accessible, diverse, and harmonious musical world—a space where the language of music unites us all in a celebration of true love and resonance.