Mental Health & Music Education

Kris Halpin is a Disabled artist and music-maker, known internationally for using the groundbreaking MiMu Gloves, and uses them to overcome physical barriers to music making. The long-running live show, The Gloves Are On, has been seen by thousands of people throughout the UK, Europe, The US and Japan. Kris is one of the world’s leading MiMu Gloves players, having been working with the instrument since 2014. His original pair of gloves are currently on display at the Science Museum in London. Kris was named as a Future Sound Of Britain Trailblazer at the BRIT Awards 2024. Outside of his own artistic work, Kris is also the Artistic Director of SENSE, one of the UK’s leading Disability charities.

Clare Johnston is a disabled composer and music technologist. Clare is a composer, writing primarily works for iPad instruments and music technology, which she has performed at Celtic Connections, the Just Festival, DadaFest and Cryptic Nights. Clare is an Associate Musician with Drake Music Scotland, delivering music education in additional support need schools and elsewhere, supporting disabled musicians in musical projects. One of Clare’s pieces “Call of The Mountains” was performed in 2023 during the Edinburgh festivals and won an RPS award in 2024.

Alessandro Vazzana is the leading player of The Clarion in the country and is the first to take the instrument into a mainstream community Concert Orchestra. Together with 2 NOYO musicians he has formed a new Trio showcasing inclusive ensemble music. He collaborates with organisations such as ABRSM, Harrison Parrott Foundation and the BSO in advancing inclusive music and knowledge of The Clarion as a new instrument.

Jess Fisher is a digital music Artist who uses Cmpsr as her instrument she also is passionate about disability inclusivity and making sure every disabled person has a voice. Jess is a pioneer for the Able orchestra and has been involved from a very young age and that’s where her music passion began. Jess also does work for inspire music and has recently been involved with Craig Vear working with him on a project called Jess +

Rhona Smith is a digital harp player. She plays using a system of physical switches and music software. Rhona first played digital harp in 1998 at a Drake Music Scotland workshop, and knew I had found her instrument. Her love of the harp became even more apparent when she met Catriona McKay in Shetland. Watching her play inspired me greatly. Pete Sparkes of DMS then introduced me to the harpist Amy Moar and we formed a traditional band called Equilibrium.

Since then Rhona has continually developed her instrument through collaborations with other artists and also as a founding member of Digital Orchestra at Drake Music Scotland and a particular highlight for me was a trip to Singapore in 2018 to take part in the True Colours Festival.

Rhona has composed and played music in collaborations with The Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Mr McFall’s Chamber, and will be taking part in a Distill Residency in April 2025