Throughout 2024, the NYCOS Creative Learning team have been running a Sing, Sign, Play project, an initiative designed to bring the joy of music and the beauty of British Sign Language (BSL) to children. Spanning three five-day residencies across Scotland, the project showcased the power of music to foster inclusivity, enhance communication, and integrate school communities.
The Sing, Sign, Play project aimed to provide both d/Deaf and hearing children aged 5 to 12 with access to music education while introducing BSL as a form of self-expression. Between March and June 2024, NYCOS worked with seven primary schools and nurseries across Moray, East Ayrshire, and the Isle of Skye, engaging over 400 d/Deaf and hearing participants in signed singing activities. The project was spearheaded by Creative Learning Director Lucinda Geoghegan and renowned workshop leader Paul Whittaker OBE, whose expertise and passion were instrumental in making each residency a success. Sessions included signed singing games tailored to different age groups, combining musical concepts such as pitch and rhythm with BSL vocabulary. Nursery-aged children were introduced to simple songs, games and rhymes, while older students tackled more advanced pieces and signs. Whole-school assemblies brought everyone together, fostering a shared understanding and appreciation of BSL through music.
The residencies demonstrated that music and signing can help children improve their communication skills and self-expression. Through music and movement, children developed their sense of rhythm, embodied pitch, and an understanding of how music can transcend sound, making it accessible to all. Teachers reported that the activities were inclusive and supportive, with students quickly picking up signs and enjoying the sessions.
One teacher observed, “This workshop has really taught us that a deaf person can join in with music and shouldn’t be excluded/discouraged EVER from trying to find a love of music and games!”, whilst another commented “It’s really shed a light on understanding and appreciating different ways of communicating.”
The response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive..
Feedback from teachers, parents, and participants highlighted the program’s inclusivity, creativity, and educational value. The workshops inspired d/Deaf children, who were thrilled to see Deaf role models like Paul leading sessions, and hearing students gained musical skills in addition to empathy and a new appreciation for BSL.
One particularly memorable moment occurred at Dunvegan Primary, where a young boy excitedly exclaimed, “Wow! He’s wearing hearing aids like me!”. This connection underscored the project’s role in fostering understanding and pride among d/Deaf participants
Another key component of the project was the recruitment of four young trainees from local communities. These individuals received hands-on training, gained confidence working with d/Deaf children, and assisted in leading workshops. By the project’s end, their knowledge of BSL and skills in inclusive education had grown significantly, ensuring a ripple effect of understanding and enthusiasm within their communities.
To ensure the program’s benefits extend beyond the residencies and reach as many children as possible, NYCOS Creative Learning has created a 50-page Sing, Sign & Play resource pack with videos and sheet music. This invaluable tool will be distributed to schools and made freely available online for educators and music practitioners. Three free training days were held in Aberdeen, Inverness, and Glasgow in November 2024, attended by over 50 participants. These sessions equipped teachers and music practitioners with tools to integrate BSL into their classrooms using the Sing, Sign, Play resource. Attendees reported a significant boost in confidence and knowledge, with many inspired to continue promoting inclusivity through music.
The Sing, Sign, Play project has shown how music can bridge communication, enrich education, and empower communities. By embracing diversity and providing opportunities for both d/Deaf and hearing children, NYCOS Creative Learning has created a model for inclusivity that resonates far beyond the classroom. As one trainee noted, “BSL is fun for ALL children, and music is a great way to make everyone feel included.”
NYCOS Creative Learning extends its heartfelt thanks to the schools, staff, trainees, and families who made this project possible. Together, we’ve taken meaningful steps towards a more inclusive world where everyone can experience the joy of music—no matter how they communicate.
View the Sing, Sign, Play resource
