Vibrations, deafness and music: from Ludwig van Beethoven to Evelyn Glennie

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This presentation was given at York University, Toronto, Canada, on January 14th, 2022.

How does someone deaf hear music? Is there another approach to sound when the ears are not working? In this paper, based on the assumption that deafness is incompatible with sound, thus with music, I explore the interconnections between hearing impairments and music-making, from the nineteenth century to today. Through the journey of musicians with hearing issues, I assert that the multiple tools and techniques developed for and by these musicians have transformed society’s assumptions about disability and music. Through the study of the history of devices related to hearing loss, I examine the progression of the technologies available, and the choices of using these technologies made by deaf musicians.

I would like to express my thanks to those who provided feedback, in particular Christina Quilico, Tom Beghin and Robin Wallace.

More information: https://www.dianekolin.com/