My name is Annabelle Whittle and I’m an undergraduate music student at Durham University. This page has further information about my research project, funded by the Laidlaw Foundation. A full outline of the research can be found here. 

I was a choral scholar, and my experience of church music changed my life (and all my previously held career plans!). I am also disabled and recognise that each individual can experience disability in very different and personal ways. I would love for as many young people as possible to experience the brilliant opportunities choristership provides. I also want to improve understanding around issues faced by disabled people in choral music, and the strengths and benefits they bring to choirs.

What is my research?

I am undertaking a project about the experiences of child choristers with disabilities in Cathedral choirs, and choirs which sing 3+ services most weeks (in term time). I hope to understand choristers' experiences as well as those of their families, and of all directors of music. I hope that you will pass information about this study on to the parents of your choristers, as well as consider taking part yourself. 

I would like to encourage as many choristers and directors of music to take part as possible, including yourself and your choir!

What would I do as part of this research?

As a director of music, you would be asked to complete a short questionnaire (about 10 minutes) about your experiences of working with disabled choristers and understandings of inclusion and adaption in music education. All directors of music are invited to take part, whether you have experience of working with disabled choristers directly or not, and whether or not any of your choristers choose to take part in the study.

What does this study mean by "disability"?

A disability or long term condition is any condition which may impact someone's life and ability to carry out daily activities. More information about this can be found in the information sheet attached to this email. One key note is that SEN conditions often meet the criteria to be considered disabilities, including dyslexia, autism/ASD, ADHD, and others, alongside physical health conditions such as diabetes, mobility impairments, cerebral palsy, and other conditions.

Will my answers be anonymised?

Your data will be anonymous in the study. Your name will not be collected on the questionnaire, and any identifying data (such as the name of your cathedral, or information about specific disabilities) will be ambiguated so that it will not reveal your identity in the final report.

How will my participation help?

Your participation will shape this groundbreaking research, creating a foundation for future developments in inclusive choral practices for choristership. It may help provide you with a new perspective on inclusion, fresh ideas for adapting your practice, thereby helping remove barriers for choristers in the future, ensuring the rich heritage of choral music is accessible to and enriched by a diverse range of singers.

I will be sharing the report policymakers, charities, and funding bodies such as the RSCM and Cathedral Music Trust, to highlight what is working well, as well as what more could be done to include disabled young people in arts and music. These conversations will lead to developments in training, CPD and practice across the sector, helping us create a firm and flourishing future for choristership in the UK.

Ethical approval

This study has received ethical approval from the Music Department Ethics Committee at Durham University. It is supervised by Dr Bennett Zon (bennett.zon@durham.ac.uk) and Dr Pete Ward (peter.ward@durham.ac.uk), who can be contacted for verification of the study, or with any concerns. It is funded by the Laidlaw Foundation, through their Ethical Leadership and Research Scholarship, details of which can be found here.

Next steps

If you wish to take part please email me (annabelle.whittle@durham.ac.uk), at which point you will be given access to the online questionnaire form after giving consent. You will also receive a full information sheet, with further details of ethical approval, 

Thank you for reading and considering my research. Please feel free to email me any questions you may have.