Now Hear This! is a social enterprise based in Portishead in Bristol. Founded by musician and teacher Laura Porter, the project offers accessible and inclusive music workshops for people in the local community, with a ‘pay what you choose’ offer recently made possible through grant contribution from Portishead Town Council.

Laura moved to Portishead in 2017, having become physically disabled as a result of an accident. As her mobility improved, she decided to set up a music project for people in the local community.

Music in the community

Now Hear This! workshops run as small groups, usually of about 10 people, but not everyone has a disability:

“My interest is creating a provision which is inclusive and accessible, no matter who you are.

“Specific provision is very important. But what’s equally important is reminding people that disabled people aren’t a separate group that exists in isolation over there. Every single one of us will know a disabled person – if not now, it will come. And true community means everyone, all in together.”

Laura explained how important it is for people to have community activities like this, especially with lots of public services arts projects being cut:

What I’m offering isn’t music therapy, but the therapeutic effects of group music-making are visible and consistently proven.

Every single person there celebrates what we’re doing. It’s a true team effort – they’re brilliant and a real joy to teach.

Laura’s sessions are always person-led – even in a group. With her background in education, she works directly with people to get them engaged and find a way of making music that they enjoy:

“You’re not going to create passion about music if you’re sat there playing scales over and over again. And I think that’s exactly the same with any person, whether they’ve got additional needs or not.”

From left: Kevin and Laura at the Now Hear This! Christmas concert in 2022

Making music accessible – Kevin’s story

Kevin attends group sessions and is about to start one-to-ones with Laura. He plays as part of the group but at Christmas, he performed Silent Night by himself. He says he wasn’t nervous at all:

Playing music makes me feel happy.

It’s nice to meet people and socialise there. I really enjoy being in the group – it’s lovely.

I like working with Laura – she’s great. She’s very good and she plays all the instruments as well.

Kevin enjoys making music using accessible instruments like the contact-free Soundbeam and adapted drums.

Kevin also likes practicing music at home. His support worker Rob is an opera singer and the two of them often make music together, with Rob on piano or guitar.

His advice to anyone looking to start music is:

Try not to be nervous. It’s fun. You’ll be 10 out of 10.

Kevin used to live in Weston Super Mare with Mum but now he lives on his own with a bit of support from United Response. He likes going to the pub, going boating in Stroud and walking around the marina:

I love living by myself and I’ve got my own car as well, so staff can take me out 24/7.

He also goes to bingo, skittles and swimming.

  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.