Breaking Barriers in Music: Ethan Atterson’s Innovative Approach to Inclusive Conducting
Photo by Bobby Ellis, ’13
Ethan Atterson, ’23, views music as a beautiful conduit for human connections. And conducting an orchestral ensemble … well, that’s magical, Mr. Atterson says.
But that magic could’ve eluded him if he focused on what he can’t do instead of what he can do. Mr. Atterson has limited arm mobility caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy—making it a challenge for him to use a baton as a music conductor.
With some help, Mr. Atterson devised a way to conduct music using assistive technology and a few adaptations. He is doing the research and development needed to refine this technique and approach. Research on disability inclusion in music with adaptive and assistive tech is the topic of Mr. Atterson’s master’s program project at the School of Music in Ball State University’s College of Fine Arts. He is pursuing his master of arts degree with a focus on music.
“Disabled people exist in the classical music industry,” Mr. Atterson said. “We deserve to be able to have equal opportunities in that industry, and we deserve to have the chance to prove ourselves as leaders. By researching new methods and accommodations, I feel that chance can be made available.”
“The University has an inclusive environment that promotes a diverse ecosystem of people and promotes equity on campus.”
— Ethan Atterson, ’23
With his baton fastened to his eyeglasses and a computer set-up that allows the musicians to be guided by flashes of lights on a screen, Mr. Atterson conducts. The light bursts are a computer application’s visualizations of his motions made by his thumb on the computer’s touchpad. Mr. Atterson’s friend, Benjamin Shrock, who’s in the medical field, helped him develop the computer app.
The baton and the flashes of light on the screen communicate musical direction regarding timekeeping, tempo, and gesture or expressiveness, just as a conductor with more arm mobility would. This assistive technology and techniques—which may be further developed—are similar to those involved in a study done in the United Kingdom by a researcher with cerebral palsy.
Mr. Atterson hopes the assistive tech and adaptations he has been working on will become widely known and accessible so others with varying physical abilities can experience the “magic” of conducting.
His parents, Brian and Karen Atterson, are proud of Ethan’s achievements and appreciate Ball State’s supporting role in his success.
Karen Atterson earned three degrees at Ball State: an associate degree in 1980, plus a bachelor’s degree in 1982 and a master’s degree in 1987—both from Teachers College.
“As a Ball State graduate, I felt like he would feel grounded, included, and happy at Ball State,” Mrs. Atterson said. “It’s still a little surprising to see your child get that level of support and not feel as if he is being treated differently. As parents, Brian and I are happy when Ethan—and all of our children—are happy.”
