Expanding the music circle through networked improvisation in an inclusive ensemble

People with disabilities are confronted with many barriers to participation in inclusive music making, including but not limited to challenges accessing appropriately adapted program curricula and pedagogical approaches. This article reports on a partnered research project ‘Expanding the Music Circle’ that brought professional orchestra musicians, special music educators and adults with profound disabilities together to make improvised music online via Zoom. The authors, experts in improvisation pedagogy and special music education, designed and delivered a curriculum aimed at facilitating an inclusive ensemble experience for all participants. Following a modified Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, the study comprised 16 facilitated improvisation sessions for adults with disabilities, with observation and feedback by orchestra musicians and special music educators. Subsequently, the three participant groups were formed into integrated ensembles for eight additional sessions. Data, analysed through thematic coding, includes participant observation, videoed Zoom calls, journals, focus groups and interviews. Results include positive feelings of community in the integrated ensemble, mixed experiences making music using networked, online technology and the value of using accessible and adaptable improvisation in a mixed abilities ensemble, especially when presented with some predictability and structure.