Social

"Tonstudio 13" for young talents – Inclusion in every note

At "Tonstudio 13," the inclusive music project of Gesamtkunstwerk e.V. from Dortmund, musical creativity is open to all young talents—regardless of disabilities. Inclusion is practiced here as young people with and without disabilities make music together, record productions, and try out new things.

Europe

Germany

Dortmund

Funding period: 2023-2026

The association Gesamtkunstwerk is dedicated to fostering equal participation in society’s cultural life. By organizing diverse events - ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater projects - the association brings together, trains, and mentors inclusive bands across various musical styles. With "Tonstudio 13", the association has been offering a professional music training program specifically for people with disabilities since 2013. This initiative results in high-quality musical performances presented on stages throughout Germany. A particular highlight is the biennial "Dortmund Inclusive Sound Festival" (DiS).

As part of the "Tonstudio 13" project, the association offers musical qualifications to musicians with partial talents who, due to personal (usually cognitive) disabilities, are unable to pursue formal music studies. Since the 2023/24 school year, the Wilo-Foundation has been supporting three scholarships to finance their individual support and thus enable participation in lessons.

On the initiative of the Wilo-Foundation, the inclusive band OpenExcess from the portfolio of Gesamtkunstwerk e.V. performed at the Dortmund Foundation Day 2024, which took place in the foyer of Theater Dortmund. Photo: Wirtschaftsförderung Dortmund, credits: Andreas Buck

During the course of training, several band formations have emerged, ranging from duos to 13-member bands. Depending on the musicians’ preferences, there are various musical styles. Photo: Gesamtkunstwerk e.V., Dortmund, Credit: Mathias Kolta

"Tonstudio 13" collaborates with music schools in Dortmund and Bochum regarding teaching spaces, as well as with the Technical University of Dortmund and the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Bochum (EVH Bochum) to provide observation opportunities for students of rehabilitation sciences. These partnerships ensure the high quality of the program and allow for the continuous expansion of inclusive band formats. Participants receive lessons in topics such as vocal training, harmony and ear training, stylistics and arrangements, as well as instrumental lessons and rhythm/groove training. Regular band rehearsals are also part of the schedule. Additionally, there are individual topics offered as workshops, such as songwriting, social media use, and technical training. The instructors are professional musicians from the independent scene who work on the program on a fee basis.

Photo Header: Gesamtkunstwerk e.V. (Dortmund), credit: Mathias Kolta

Our funding partner

The association Gesamtkunstwerk e.V., Dortmund, is committed to the human right to cultural participation and aims to enable everyone—regardless of their personal circumstances—to actively participate in cultural life. As this is still often associated with barriers, the association promotes greater openness, communication, humanity, and inclusion in all its projects. The association organizes cultural events such as concerts, art exhibitions, and theater projects, supports inclusive bands of various styles, and also hosts the biennial "Dortmund Inclusive Sound Festival" (DiS).

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

What are the SDGs?