Backing Brilliance: How We’ve Helped Shape Inclusive Research Across the UK
Disability and Access Ambassador David Stanley BEM, Dr Natalie Bradford, and the wider Music Man Project network are committed to advancing academic research in the fields of inclusive music education and disability arts. We actively collaborate with leading universities and conservatoires in the United Kingdom and internationally, offering specialist knowledge and practical insight. Researchers are invited to contact us with details of their study to discuss potential partnership and support.
Royal College of Music (see below)
Dr Natalie Bradford, PhD Research at the Royal College of Music: ‘What Is The Effect Of Active Music Participation On Well-Being Among Adults With Learning Disabilities?’ (2021) Case studies, interviews, teaching observations, performances and shared research outcomes.
Bath Spa University
Marcus Day, PhD Student at Bath Spa University: ‘Composing Music for People with Learning Disabilities’ (2022) Case studies, interviews, teaching observations, performances, music and connections to wider disabled musician network.
University of Birmingham
Kat Skeavington, MEd in S&PMLD Student Post-Graduate at the University of Birmingham – Department of Education and Inclusion: ‘Benefits from UK Special School Staff for Music Involving Singing With Learners With SLD and/or PMLD’ (2022) Specialist music resources and support material for SEND music education for Lit. Review.
University College London
Dr Keri Wong, Assistant Professor in Psychology, University College London: ‘The Role of Arts on Health’ (2022) Royal College of Music research and additional material about health benefits for people with learning disabilities.
University of Edinburgh
Student Research: ‘Music Education of Students with Learning Disabilities’ (2022)
Manhattan School of Music, New York
Postgraduate research students at Manhattan School of Music: ‘Creating Inspirational Opportunities for Musicians with Learning Disabilities’ (2022, 2023,) Annual online seminars to postgraduate students.
King’s College, London
David Stanley BEM: Winner of King’s Arts and Culture Distinguished Alumni Awards (2021), ‘From Teacher to Entrepreneur‘, (2022) Interview for Roar Magazine (2023), King’s Mentor (2023-), Host of King’s Alumni Awards Ceremony (2024), Guest Notable Alumni Speaker at the King’s Arts and Humanities Graduation Ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall (2025). Listed as a King’s College London Notable Alumnus.
His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Service
Trainee Research: ‘An exploration into how D/deaf or deafened adult musicians perform music’ (2023)
Aston University, Birmingham
Sandra Martin: ‘School Anxiety for Autistic People with Learning Disabilities’ (2023) Case study participants.
University of Leeds
Ellena Wood, School of Music, University of Leeds: ‘Music, Chronic Illness and Wellbeing’ (2024)
Florida State University
Mark A. Belfast, Jr., PhDAssistant Professor of Music Education, Florida State University: ‘Community Music Programs for People with Disabilities’ (2024)
University of Glasgow
Linzi Brain, College of Arts – Music, University of Glasgow: ‘Scottish Community Music Projects’ – Researching the issues and solutions to keeping services alive for disabled and vulnerable adults (2024)
University of the Arts, London
Shreya Goyal, MA Graphic Design Communication, University of the Arts, London: ‘Creating Inclusive Spaces Through Experience’ (2025) Interviews, joint creative music project.
World-leading Research at the Royal College of Music by Music Man Project Director, Dr Natalie Bradford
What is the effect of active music participation on the well-being among adults with Down’s syndrome?
Natalie Bradford (Regional Director and Academic Advisor for MMP UK) successfully completed her 4-year PhD doctoral research at the Royal College of Music in 2020. The Music Man Project was at the centre of her ground-breaking study, providing evidence-based research into the impact and effectiveness of our accessible education and performance service. Read the full PhD here.
“We all know how good music makes us feel and the impact this can have on our family and friends who have a learning disability. I have a passion to share this as far and wide as possible and academic research is one of the ways to deliver this message to a wide spread audience. Today, music is often regarded as insignificant and as such is given little attention in terms of funding or availability. I feel this is missing a huge opportunity in supporting people with learning disabilities.” Dr Natalie Bradford