Tessera

Open Up Music 🎵

@openupmusic.bsky.social

Working alongside young disabled musicians to bring about musical inclusion. We're the charity behind the National Open Youth Orchestra noyo.org.uk, openorchestras.org and the Clarion accessible instrument theclarion.uk. UK Bristol based. openupmusic.org

70 Posts319 Follower 274 Folgt

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 2d ago

This World Mental Health Day Bethan (flute, piccolo and harp) decided to explore the wellbeing benefits of playing in an ensemble. What are some of your favourite non-musical things about playing music with others? Let us know in the comments! #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2026

Text on a dark blue background reads: “Why does this happen? Playing music with others helps to reduce the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. It can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by boosting communication and a sense of community. Playing music with others also helps emotional regulation, and is a healthy emotional outlet.” Below, a line drawing of a tangled scribble character holding hands with a smiling circle character, and science illustrations including a DNA strand, beakers and a thermometer.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 7d ago

Happy World Teachers' Day! 🎶 Bethan (harp, flute and piccolo) from the NOYO Social Media Team put this together to say a big thank you to all our amazing Music Leaders, on behalf of NOYO musicians across all our ensembles. Swipe through to read some lovely messages from NOYO musicians to their Mus

A photo of a NOYO musician and a Music Leader in a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: "For World Teacher’s Day 2026, NOYO says a big “thank you!” to our Music Leaders!"

A photo of a NOYO musician and two Music Leaders in a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: “An essay could be written here: you are all amazing." - NOYO Musician

A photo of a NOYO musician and a Music Leader in a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: "They are always so fun and engaging and they provide really useful feedback in rehearsals!” - NOYO musician

A photo of a NOYO musician and a Music Leader in a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: “They always strive to make the sessions as comfortable for everyone as possible and I truly appreciate that.” - NOYO musician

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · last mo.

Still not over it! Relive NOYO and BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the proms with these wonderful pictures. 📸 Love the photos? Now listen to our performance. We start at 1 hour 27 minutes ⤵️ www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... #ThisIsOurOrchestra #InclusiveMusic #BBCProms #Disability

NOYO and BBC NOW string players perform at the BBC Proms.

A NOYO Clarion player laughs with a Music Leader on stage at the BBC Proms.

Clarion soloist Alessandro Vazzana performs on stage at the BBC Proms.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Have you tried using your Clarion with effects pedals? Gareth Churchill has been experimenting with playing his through a delay and reverb effects unit. Download and start experimenting with the Clarion today for free on the App and Microsoft Store! #Disability #Accessibility #InclusiveMusic

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 2mo ago

If you missed our concerts this summer, don't worry! You can now listen to NOYO and BBC NOW performing at the Proms at Bristol Beacon on BBC Sounds ⤵️ www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... Skip ahead to 1:27 for our performance. 🙌 A huge thank you to all our Music Leaders, partners, and funders! #BBCProms

A photo of NOYO and BBC NOW performing on stage. Text reads "Listen to NOYO and BBC NOW at the Proms on BBC Sounds!"

A photo of Lubo smiling while the audience applauds. Other members of the orchestra look on. Text reads: "Playing in NOYO has given me purpose, meaning and above all fun. I hope that this comes across during the concerts. I think my smile is proof! - Lubo (euphonium)"

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Our audience loved our performance at Barbican Hall. Join in the fun - come and see NOYO performing with guest musicians of BBC National Orchestra of Wales in Cardiff! Tickets ⤵️ www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/... #ClassicalMusic #Disability #WhatsOnCardiff #CardiffMusic

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Wow! We're still buzzing from the incredible emotion of the first concert of our #ThisIsOurOrchestra tour at the Barbican. Don't miss our next concerts in Cardiff and Bristol! Cardiff tickets: www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/... Bristol tickets (BBC Prom): bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/bbc... #ClassicalM

NOYO and BBC NOW play on stage at the Barbican.

School children in the audience cheer and clap enthusiastically.

Niamh Moriarty speaks into a microphone on stage.

Alessandro Vazzana receives applause on stage.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 4mo ago

We're looking for an amazing Assistant Music Leader to join the Birmingham NOYO Ensemble! This freelance role is an incredible opportunity to work alongside brilliant 11-25 year old disabled and non-disabled musicians Learn more and apply: www.openupmusic.org/apply/ #MusicJobs #CharityJobs #ArtsJ

A music leader and musician laugh at a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: "We’re hiring!

Assistant Music Leader - Birmingham NOYO Ensemble

Apply by 9am, Thursday 9th July"

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Do you want to have a good time? Then come see NOYO's relaxed concert with members of BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW)! Get your tickets to our concert in Cardiff on 30 July⤵️ www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/... #ClassicalMusic #CardiffMusic #Disability #Accessibility

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Commissioned for NOYO by the BBC, discover the story behind Charlotte Harding's interpretation of Benjamin Britten's classic in BBC Music Magazine then come see it in Bristol and Cardiff! www.classical-music.com/bbc-proms/yo...

Members of the National Open Youth Orchestra perform on stage.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Happy Mental Health Awareness Week! For an extra dose of feel-good music, come and see the National Open Youth Orchestra in concert in Cardiff or Bristol. More information and tickets ⤵️ noyo.org.uk/bbcproms/#:~.... #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #Disability #InclusiveMusic #Music

A blue background with purple music graphics and a picture of Bethan playing flute. Text reads: "Mental Health Awareness Week, 11th - 17th May 2026, 3 ways playing in an orchestra can improve your mental health!"

A blue background with colourful graphics of a happy person and a brain. Text reads: "Music improves your mood! Both listening to, and playing your favourite music releases the hormone dopamine! Dopamine is the “feel-good” hormone and can help boost your mood."

A blue background with colourful graphics of a love heart and pillows. Text reads: Music helps you feel more relaxed! Making music with others has been found to lower cortisol - the stress hormone! Music can help young people cope with challenging situations, and can have a positive effect on symptoms of various mental health conditions."

A blue background with a colourful graphic of headphones and a photo of a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads: "Music can help you express emotions! Both listening to and playing music can help you understand emotions, which can help you process them! Playing music can help you to express your emotions, and doing this with other people can be a really positive experience!"

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 6mo ago

We're so excited to announce the National Open Youth Orchestra is playing the 2026 BBC Proms alongside BBC National Orchestra of Wales! Come experienced NOYO's relaxed prom at Bristol Beacon on 9 August at 2.30pm. Get your tickets ⤵️ bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/bbc... #BBCProms Photo: Soul Media

National Open Youth Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Paraorchestra musicians play inside an air balloon in Beacon Hall.

Paul Masri-Stone @paulmasristone.bsky.social · 7mo ago

For just 1 week, you can donate to @openupmusic.bsky.social BigGive campaign *with matched funding* to support their work with the National Open Youth Orchestra. Closes 24 Mar. bit.ly/ThisIsOurOrchestra #ThisIsOurOrchestra

Banner titled: #ThisIsOurOrchestra Show disabled students they belong on stage. National Open Youth Orchestra.
Photo of the orchestra in concert.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Happy St. David's Day from Bethan (flute and harp) and Josh (violin and bass). Apply to join our Welsh Regional NOYO Ensemble in Cardiff, or in Bournemouth, Birmingham, Bristol and London ⤵️ noyo.org.uk/apply-2026 #StDavidsDay #InclusiveMusic #Accessibility #YouthMusic

A green slide decorated with daffodils and pictures of Bethan and Josh. Text reads: "Happy St. David’s Day, Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, from Bethan, Josh and NOYO!

Green slide decorated with drawings of woman in traditional Welsh outfit and Welsh cakes. Text reads: "How is St. David’s Day celebrated?

In schools, children often dress in traditional Welsh dress, or Welsh rugby uniforms, and take part in their school Eisteddfod - smaller versions of Wales’ national festival.

Often an Eisteddfod has singing, instrumental, writing and poetry competitions.

Across Wales, people take part in St David’s Day parades, often wearing daffodils and leeks, national symbols of Wales.

There is also traditional Welsh dancing and singing such as the national anthem ‘Mae Hen Wlad fy nhadau’, and Welsh hymns such as ‘Calon Lân’.

People will also have traditional Welsh foods for school dinner that day, such as cawl, Welsh rarebit and Welsh cakes.

Green slide decorated with drawings of a leek and the Welsh flag. Text reads: "Facts about St. David

David was born, unusually, on the Pembrokeshire cliffs during a thunderstorm.

David was a monk at a young age and founded a monastery at around the year 560. The area where he built the monastery would later have a cathedral and be named St David’s after him.

St David’s is the smallest city in the UK with a population of around 1,600 and is around the size of a small village with an area of about 0.30 square miles.

David was known as “Dewi Dyfrwr” which means “David the water drinker.” This was because of the monks diet which consisted of bread and water."

Green slide decorated with drawings of a daffodil and a harp. Text reads: "Facts about St. David

According to legend, David was a miracle maker. He performed miracles such as restoring a blind man’s sight and bringing a child back to life.

One of the most famous miracles David performed happened when he was preaching to a large crowd, and some people were struggling to hear him. When a white dove landed on David’s shoulder, the floor where he was standing rose up so that everyone could see and hear him.

David’s last words to his followers were supposedly “Do the little things, the small things you’ve seen me doing.”

After David’s death a shrine was built in his honour which is still there today and is a very popular pilgrimage site."

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 8mo ago

11-25 year old disabled, neurodivergent and non-disabled musicians - apply now to join NOYO! We play acoustic, digital and accessible instruments, and you don't need to read sheet music, or have played in an ensemble before to apply. Apply until 31 March ⤵️ noyo.org.uk/apply-2026 #Apply #Accessibi

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Bethan (flute and harp) wanted to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month by exploring how pioneering LGBTQ+ musicians have changed music, from classical all the way to pop! Young musicians can come to a NOYO Open Rehearsal. More info and book ⤵️ noyo.org.uk/open-rehearsals #InclusiveMusic #LGBTQIA

A photo of Bethan playing flute with a pride flag behind them. Text reads: "LGBTQ+ History Month 2026. Bethan explores the impact of LGBTQ+ artists on music history"

Text reads: "LGBTQ+ impact in
classical music. LGBTQ+ people have played a vital role in the development of music, from their influence in classical music, to the development of glam rock, house music and pop.

LGBTQ+ composers who influenced classical music include:
Francis Poulenc
Ethel Smyth

While their music doesn’t have explicitly LGBTQ+ themes, many historians believe their music reflected their own personal feelings about their relationships.

Text reads: "LGBTQ+ impact in
dance music. Frankie Knuckles, dubbed “The Godfather of House Music,” was an openly gay DJ and producer who blended disco, electro, funk and pop music and helped make house music a global sensation.

Kunckles’ influence led to a new generation of dance music, influencing the likes of David Guetta and Daft Punk."

Text reads: "LGBTQ+ impact
in pop music. Innovative pop artists like David
Bowie and Freddie Mercury gave
recognition to the LGBTQ+ community
through their lyrics in the 70s and 80s, but it was often subtle due to the culture of the time.

Recently, artists have explored LGBTQ+ themes like self-acceptance and coming out more openly, helping push culture forward.

Examples include Hayley Kiyoko's "Girls like Girls," Wrabel's "The Village," and perhaps most famously, Lady Gaga's "Born this Way.""

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 9mo ago

NOYO musicians not only play pieces in rehearsals, they also get to pick them! Here's Shoshana from the Birmingham NOYO Ensemble explaining how. Come and hear NOYO musicians playing Sandalwood and other pieces at one of our Open Rehearsals. More information ⤵️ noyo.org.uk/open-rehearsals

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Here's Ellen sharing how - with a few adjustments - NOYO rehearsals can be accessible for all musicians. Know a musician who could benefit from being in NOYO? Sign up for an Open Rehearsal in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff or London! More info: noyo.org.uk/open-rehearsals #Accessibilit

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Julia plays the violin with the Bristol NOYO Ensemble, one of the five Regional NOYO Ensembles we run with our partners in Bristol, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Cardiff or London. Watch her tell you why it's worth signposting 🎶 Learn more 👉 bit.ly/4o58B2s #InclusiveMusic

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Season's greetings from Open Up Music! To celebrate, NOYO musicians have been dressing up at rehearsals. Here are some of our favourite festive outfits spotted at in the last few weeks! 🧑‍🎄 #Christmas #NOYO #InclusiveMusic #Accessibility

A young musician plays cor Anglais while wearing a Santa hat and beard.

A Music Leader covers their mouth and laughs while wearing a Santa hat.

A young musician smiles at the camera while wearing a Santa hat and Christmas jumper.

A young musician plays oboe at a NOYO rehearsal while wearing a Christmas jumper.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

To mark the end of Disability History Month, National Open Youth Orchestra musician Bethan (flute and harp) wanted to share a bit about the history of the month, and highlight a pioneering disabled musician with a NOYO connection! #InclusiveMusic #Wittgenstein #DisabilityHistoryMonth #Accessibility

A photo of a young musician playing flute at a NOYO rehearsal. Text reads "Bethan's guide to Disability History Month 20 November 20 December 2025".

An infographic about the history of Disability History month.

A musician focus on pioneering disabled musician Paul Wittgenstein.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

A huge thank you to everyone who shared or donated to our Big Give Christmas campaign! Thanks to your help, we managed to raise an incredible £20,070. 👏 These valuable funds will go towards levelling the playing field for young disabled musicians, creating opportunities to play and perform music.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Please help us reach our Big Give Christmas Challenge fundraising goal! Donate before Tuesday 9 December, and everything you give will be doubled thanks to match funding ⤵️ bit.ly/OUMChristmas #ChristmasChallenge #InclusiveMusic

Three young musicians rehearse with the National Open Youth Orchestra. They all wear Santa hats.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Three days left to support our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign! Donate before Tuesday, and every pound you give will be doubled ❤️ bit.ly/OUMChristmas #InclusiveMusic #ChristmasChallenge

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Please help us raise vital funds to create opportunities for young disabled people to make music. Give before 9 December, and every pound you donate will be double thanks to match funding. Donate now: bit.ly/OUMChristmas #Accessibility #Fundraising #ChristmasChallenge @biggive.bsky.social

A smiling young musician wears a Christmas hat and jumper. The page is green and decorated with snowflakes. Text reads: "Until 9 December, every pound you give will be doubled thanks to match funding!" Inside an arrow pointing to the right is written "We need you". At the bottom of the page text reads "Double your donation today" alongside the Open Up Music and Big Give Christmas Challenge logos.

A smiling young musician wears a Christmas hat. The page is green and decorated with snowflakes. Text reads: "Give disabled pupils the same chance to learn an instrument and be part of an orchestra. Create opportunities to perform and share our music. Encourage hard work and progression through music"

The page is green and decorated with snowflakes. Text reads: "We can make big things happen when we work together. Read about Open Up Music’s programmes and donate at bit.ly/OUMChristmas".

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 11mo ago

11-25 year old-musician? Come to a Bristol NOYO Ensemble Open Rehearsal to find out if it could be for you! When? - Saturday 7 February, 1.20–4.30 pm - Saturday 14 March, 1–4 pm Where? Beacon Music Centre, BS10 5SJ Sign up at noyo.org.uk/open-rehearsals #InclusiveMusic #DisabilityHistoryMonth

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Know a young person who could benefit from being part of an inclusive ensemble? Tell them about Regional NOYO Ensemble Open Rehearsals in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff or London. Young people can find out more and sign up at noyo.org.uk/open-rehearsals. #InclusiveMusic #Accessibility

A young musician plays clarinet at a London NOYO Ensemble rehearsal. He is surrounded by colourful shapes and music notes. Text reads "Come to an Open Rehearsal!"

A young musician high fives a Music Leader at a Bristol NOYO Ensemble rehearsal. They are surrounded by colourful shapes. Text reads "Meet friendly Music Leaders".

A young musician plays violin at Bristol NOYO Ensemble rehearsal. She is surrounded by colourful shapes and musical notes. Text reads "Say "hi" to NOYO musicians.

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Amazing to follow the musical journey of Clarion soloist Alessandro Vazzana and so proud of NOYO musicians Oscar and Georgina. Read more about the Clarion accessible instrument takeitaway.org.uk/the-clarion-...

The Clarion: Redefining Access in Music-Making - Take it away

In celebration of the launch of Creative United’s Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments, our partners at Open Up Music introduce the Clarion – an innovative, purpose-built accessible instrument...

takeitaway.org.uk

John Abbott@sfjohna.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Excellent Clarion Trio lunchtime concert yesterday, their first full programme, with six original pieces commissioned plus encore. The audience loved it, and it sounded brilliant in the splendid Chawton House drawing room clariontrio.co.uk

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 11mo ago

The updated 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 is here, to help ensure disabled musicians know what's available to them. Explore what’s possible 🎶 takeitaway.org.uk/accessible-i... With thanks to artscouncilengland.bsky.social. #InclusiveMusic #AdaptiveInstruments #Accessibility

Open Up Music 🎵@openupmusic.bsky.social · 11mo ago

The updated 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 is here! We've collaborated with other arts organisations to create this free guide to help ensure disabled musicians have access to musical instruments that work for them. It could be our Clarion accessible instrument or another innovation. T