About Sounds of Progress

Sounds of Progress works within these principles and values:

• that . . . everyone is treated as equal
• social interaction, developing social skills, confidence, recognition, purpose, respect, and sense of achievement are as important as musical development
• everyone can get some realisation of their abilities through their involvement with Sounds of Progress
• each person has the freedom to choose what they want to put in, and gain from, being a part of Sounds of Progress
• learning and development is there for everyone
• patronising behaviour and language should be eliminated
• Sounds of Progress creates ongoing opportunities for people with disabilities to work on their own initiative, being trusted to make decisions, to progress their skills and to manage and direct the work of the Company.

We build on our sessions, by offering musicians with disabilities the chance of on-going involvement with Sounds of Progress, through further training, being part of a band, a cast member of our professional theatre productions or support towards becoming an independent artist.

It is our belief that disabled adults should not be treated as young children. Too many times have we seen disabled people patronised by audiences and funding partners alike when involved in artistic performance work. We must strive to be honest and create a working environment where people are given a realistic assessment of their artistic abilities where real discipline and established good working practise is evident.