Adrian Anantawan

July is Disability Pride Month! What started as a single day of celebration on July 26, 1990 when the ADA was signed into law has grown into the entire month of July dedicated to honoring the experiences and achievements of individuals with disabilities. I’d like to keep the party going by recognizing and celebrating individuals in the music field who overcome obstacles every day to share music with the world. First up is my colleague, violinist Adrian Anantawan.

Since obtaining degrees from Curtis, Yale, and Harvard, Adrian has performed extensively as a soloist throughout Canada. Adrian also helped create the Virtual Chamber Music Initiative at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre. The cross-collaborative project brings together researchers, musicians, doctors, and educators to develop adaptive musical instruments capable of being played by a young person with disabilities within a chamber music setting. He is also the founder of the Music Inclusion Program, aimed at having children with disabilities learn instrumental music with their typical peers. 

Adrian serves on the faculties of Milton Academy and Berklee College of Music and continues to perform, speak, and teach around the world as an advocate for disability and the arts. Check out his profile, website, and Youtube channel to learn more about the phenomenal work Adrian’s doing, click here to learn more and donate to Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education, which serves as a catalyst for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of performing and visual arts education.