music
By Arts Writer
Anthea Skinner
Andrew Hewitt is dedicated to
making music accessible.
issues relating to my cerebral palsy.
Often I suggest students buy an
electronic kit where they can program
pads so they can play with hands only
and make it work for their own body
movements,” he said.
Andrew Hewitt is a
“As a drummer and teacher with
successful Sydney-
disability, I can relate to the struggles
based drummer who
the student has. It takes longer for
just happens to live
some students to grasp on to the
simple things, so each lesson is
with cerebral palsy.
NOT YOUR
AVERAGE
DRUM LESSONS
A
Andrew’s rehearsal studio features
two drum kits sitting side by side
and a small PA system so that he and
his students can play together, or to
backing tracks.
“Even though when I do gigs I
play sitting on a drum stool, I stay in
my wheelchair when teaching. This
s well as working as a play drums, and Andrew tailors each gives me the ability to move around
performer, Andrew is also lesson for individual students’ needs. and assist the student when they
dedicated to making music
“My lessons also teach about
need it,” he said.
more accessible for people with social inclusion, interaction and disability. He is one of the founding boosting the student’s self-esteem,” lessons, Andrew conducts all-
members of Can-Do Musos, a he said. abilities drum workshops for groups.
global, non-profit organisation which
“They don’t involve books or
As well as teaching private
Recently he has been working with
showcases musicians with disability. drum charts ... I use backing tracks of The Sylvanbeats, an all-abilities
He also gives regular drum lessons the students’ favourite songs to help percussion ensemble run by the
to students with a range of access them learn.” Sylvanvale Foundation (formally the
needs. Andrew spoke to Link about
his role as a music educator.
“Drum lessons with me aren’t your
average drum lesson,” Andrew said.
“I teach from absolute beginner
Andrew’s rehearsal studio is
wheelchair accessible, and he can
also help students make their drum
kit accessible to their needs.
“Firstly, I work out what the
Handicapped Children’s Centre New
South Wales).
“They’re led by percussionist,
Claudia Chambers,” Andrew said.
“They occasionally perform gigs
to intermediate students with playing ability of the student is, around Sydney and are a really cool
disability.” whether they use their feet, have group to work with.”
Music lessons provide students
with a lot more than just the ability to
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tailored to the student’s needs.”
music
strength … I use electronics on my www.drummerstix.com.au
own drum kit to help with the physical www.candomusos.com
linkonline.com.au