For cochlear implant musicians only - a call for panelists

For an upcoming web conference on listening to and making music with cochlear implants in September 2013, the Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss are hosting a panel of adult musicians who wear cochlear implants. The purpose of this is to share with our audiences the very personal and individual experiences of what it is like to make music with a cochlear implant. Below are the criteria we will consider in panelist selection.

1. The panelist must have at least one year of experience with their cochlear implant(s).

2. The panelist must be musicians or music students who are active in music study, as evidenced by practicing on their instrument several times a week and/or taking private lessons regularly.

3. The panelist must be available on Saturday, September 7, from 1-3 pm Eastern time to serve on the panel.

A small honorarium will be given to panelists at the conclusion of the conference.

If you are interested in serving on this panel, please send your name, email address and a brief statement to AAMHL expressing your interest. The brief statement should state why you feel you would be a good candidate for the panel. All statements and contact inforrmation should be sent to info@aamhl.org by March 30, 2013.

Making Music with a Hearing Loss: Strategies and Stories

That book is now available in Amazon. I'll be getting a free copy of it since I'm one of the several deaf/hh musicians who were interviewed for that book. My narrative can be found in the final chapter of that book.

There are many texts on music and hearing loss, but what makes this volume unique is that it does not require the reader to have any previous background in hearing science. It is written in non-technical language for the layman, and begins by explaining how the human ear hears sound. It covers the interplay between music, speech and hearing devices and discusses hearing conservation for musicians. The final chapter contains inspiring narratives from eleven deaf or hard of hearing musicians belonging to the Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss. These eleven stories describe using a variety of strategies to integrate hearing loss and music making. Musicians new to hearing loss, hearing-impaired adults wanting to learn a musical instrument, audiologists, music educators, and music researchers will also find this book a valuable addition to their library collection.

I'll be waiting with great anticipation for my free copy. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and enjoy music, this will be a great book to have. If you have a hearing loss and is considering on wanting to play a musical instrument, don't let your hearing loss stop you. And if you do play a musical instrument....don't stop! Keep practicing and find other like minded people who enjoy playing music with their musical instruments.

Justin Osmond speaks at his university graduation

Justin Osmond, the 2nd son of Merril and Mary Osmond.

(He) was born with a severe/profound sensorial-neural hearing loss. Diagnosed at the age of 2, he finally got to hear life’s precious sounds for his very first time. Considering the fact that he was a couple years behind his peers, he has shown through a series of intense dedication and mental/physical exertion, that nothing can stop him from going after his dreams and aspirations.

After 12 years of intense speech/listening therapy, he can speak with passion and hear with conviction. There were many obstacles and challenges that represented stumbling blocks, despair and lack of hope. But his will-power, determination, desire, and hope surpassed all hurdles that stood in his way.

Despite the inevitable, and with a 90% hearing loss, Justin pressed forward with a perfect brightness of hope and a love for all humanity. He went on to play the violin, viola, piano, and drums. He has received numerous awards such as the prestigious sterling scholarship in music, academic scholarships, honorary achievements, and many athletic titles in soccer, football, basketball, and track. He is also proud to represent the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout and he currently has his Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Justin currently serves as public relations, board member, and a spokesperson for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the largest outreach program in providing hearing help to children worldwide. He continues to travel the world with one object in mind: To leave Better Hearing Smiles behind.

On February 12, 2011, Justin spoke at his graduation ceremony at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He continues to give back to others who are hearing-impaired with the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund, which he founded in honor of his grandmother.

To continue his non-profit work, Justin decided to go back to school for his MBA at Western Governors University, headquartered here in Salt Lake City.

On Feb. 12 Justin will graduate and has been selected as one of the student speakers at WGU’s winter commencement ceremony. For someone who struggled to speak, Justin is now making a graduation speech in front of thousands of people.

Justin will serve as a model and inspiration to those with hearing loss by helping others with hearing loss.

Merril Osmond who is Justin's father is one of the famously known Osmond Brothers band during the 1970s, and even to today 50 years later. The other two oldest Osmond brothers, George Virl Osmond, Jr. and Tom Osmond, who did not sing were born with a hearing loss.

Tenth anniversary for "Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss"

The Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss group will be celebrating their 10th anniversary on June 8, 2010. These are deaf and hard of hearing musicians who have a love for playing their musical instruments and their music. Over the years it has grown painfully slow until the last few years we have seen more new members join than the last 8 years. Currently there are 156 members that play all kinds of musical instruments from the flute, piano, guitar, banjo to singing with their voice. This is a mixed group of those born with hearing loss to those who lost their hearing later in life who either wear hearing aids, cochlear implants or none at all. The two things that we all have in common is hearing loss and a passion to play our musical instrument. Having a hearing loss does stop these people from enjoying their musical instruments.

If you want to join and be part of this group that discusses anything from hearing loss issues to video recitals to web chats to discussing the history of music, you'll have to start by going here to begin the membership process. And join the growing ranks of adult musicians with hearing loss.