Research News Last updated 30 March
A groundbreaking digital tool is helping ensure that no child is left out of music lessons, especially those with upper limb impairments or absences, who may have been overlooked in the past.
Developed by the charity The OHMI Trust and validated by researchers at Birmingham City University (BCU), OHMI Reveal is changing how schools identify and support children who need adapted instruments or different ways to take part in music.
Now, an evaluation by the Birmingham Music Education Research Group (B-MERG) at BCU has found it is ready to be rolled out across England.
OHMI Reveal is currently operating across nine music hubs and 377 schools in England.
Around 40% of schools identifying a child with physical needs are in the two most deprived areas, suggesting the tool is reaching those who need it most.
It was also successful in understanding and uncovering access needs in all types of schools, challenging the assumption that physical disability is concentrated only in specialist settings.
Teachers and inclusion leads working with OHMI Reveal described a significant cultural shift in how music hubs approach inclusion, with staff more confident, more proactive, and more equipped to identify and respond to children's needs because of the tool.
One inclusion lead reflected: “It's making us more aware of inclusion and making sure every child has the opportunity to learn alongside their peers.”
Professor Victoria Kinsella, Professor of Education at BCU, said: “We found that OHMI Reveal's effectiveness depends on professional judgement, relational knowledge, and pedagogical expertise, not just the tool itself.
“The teachers and inclusion leads we interviewed described how some physical and sensory needs often emerge only through music-making itself and require interpretation, dialogue, and adaptation beyond what can be captured through survey data.
“It's critical, therefore, that specialist expertise within music hubs is maintained, with peer-led professional learning fully supported”
The tool is also proving that inclusion does not need to be expensive. The cost of adapted instruments and equipment identified as needed across all nine hubs came to just £2,346 in total, proving that removing barriers to music-making can be both achievable and affordable.
However, the research is clear that greater investment and a national commitment are now needed if the full potential of OHMI Reveal is to be realised.
The report calls on policymakers to resource and align systems so that every child identified receives the adapted instruments and assessment they need from the very start of their musical journey.
OHMI General Manager Rachel Wolffsohn said: “As a small charity, this is not work that we can do alone.
“It's reassuring to know that the B-MERG findings affirm our view that OHMI Reveal has reached a level of maturity where its core principles, structure, and use are transferable beyond the current cohort of music hubs.
“We can put in place mechanisms that others can easily adopt to provide WCET.
“In order to collectively implement this proven approach across all music hubs in the country, it will take both additional resources and funding.”
Photo credit: Traybake Studios