Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

Hi, my name is Neil Patterson. I'm a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. My journey in music started when I joined Rock Choir in 2014, and although it was mainly recreational, it opened my eyes to music as not just a career but also a life path.

With hindsight, I began to realise that I'd been using music as a form of escapism and a coping strategy for as long as I can remember. In 2015, I joined Drake Music Scotland (DMS), an arts organisation providing music making opportunities for people with disabilities. From here, I would begin to take part in focused, one-to-one tuition and eventually join my first band ‘Liveheart’.

The industry is under-equipped for those with additional support needs

Fast forward to September 2016, I'd begun my Music studies at Perth College UHI. It was here, in a Music Business lecture, that I first heard of the MU. I remember my lecturer saying how this industry could be tough and advised that we not take it on without some formal backing.

After doing a bit of my own research, I found out that the Scotland & Northern Ireland AGM (Annual General Meeting) was coming up. At this point I was still sceptical, thinking to myself “I'll go along and hear them out, but I doubt it'll be for me.” How wrong I was.

Less than halfway through the meeting, my hand was shooting into the air. Over the couple of years that I'd officially been in the industry, I'd noticed numerous issues regarding access for those with additional support needs (ASN).

I am a full-time wheelchair user and registered with PTSD. This was my chance to say something and have my voice heard. I pointed out that the industry was, and in many ways still is, woefully under-equipped for those with ASN.

I left this meeting with the offer of co-option onto my Regional Committee and an invitation to the (then informal) Equalities Committee. This is now known as the formally structured and fully recognised Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Highlighting the need for inclusion

Throughout my time with the MU I have continued to be a part of the democratic process, actively taking part in committees, member networks and conference delegations.

By combining my MU work and other industry organisations such as the aforementioned Rock Choir and DMS, we have managed to not only highlight the need for inclusion but actively take steps to further the cause.

Campaigns such as #letmeonstage, while being launched by DMS, benefited greatly from the backing I was given from the MU to get the word out to industry partners and the STUC General Secretary.

In terms of Rock Choir, I can now point them towards my previous MU work should they need further advice on access requirements. My choir leaders have been superstars when it comes to learning my specific requirements.

I believe accessible venues and performances can become an industry standard

I have done many gigs in a variety of venues. However, I truly believe that with the MU's help and backing it means that accessible venues and performances can become an industry standard and not a ‘what if’.

Being able to spread the word throughout the industry is an invaluable resource. It is my belief that the MU is a great place for anyone looking for fellow like-minded people trying to navigate today's music industry.

Whether you're looking for help with an ongoing project or starting something new, I'm sure we have something to suit your needs.

Services, events and resources for disabled members

Here are just a few of the services I have either used or had a hand in developing:

• Disabled musicians’ membership rates
• Committee and conferences, including the first fully ED&I-focused conference at Leeds in 2022
• Mentor programs
• Access riders
• Disabled Musicians Member Network

That's a very condensed version of my story. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that if you have something to say, there are people who want to hear it.