Interpreting Music 101: Bringing Sounds to Life in Sign Language (ISL)

Signing music poses a unique challenge, as it involves much more than simply translating lyrics. Music is about far more than words; it’s the melody, rhythm, instrumentation, and intensity that create its emotional impact. In this CPD session, led by Paul Whittaker OBE—a Deaf musician with over 30 years’ experience signing for concerts and theatre—participants will gain practical strategies and insights to communicate the richness of music to Deaf audiences.
In this engaging and interactive session, Paul will share his methods for capturing the essence of music, focusing on the emotional and rhythmic qualities that words alone cannot convey. Participants will explore a range of musical genres, including pop, musical theatre, and classical music, and learn how a "less is more" approach can help communicate the true meaning of a song or piece of music.
By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to interpret musical pieces in ways that resonate on an emotional and sensory level for Deaf audiences. They will leave with tools and techniques for interpreting and presenting music that bring out its full power and nuance, beyond the words alone.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the unique challenges and key elements of signing music for Deaf audiences, with emphasis on emotional and musical interpretation.
2. Explore techniques for interpreting and conveying various genres of music, including pop, musical theatre, and classical, to communicate the core emotion and meaning.
3. Learn strategies for applying a "less is more" approach in music signing, utilising rhythm, melody, and intensity to enhance expression.
4. Develop practical skills to interpret and sign different musical elements that capture the spirit and dynamics of music, beyond the lyrics.
Join us for this distinctive opportunity to "see" music from a fresh perspective and bring it to life for Deaf audiences with insight, skill, and creativity.

About The Trainer

Born in Huddersfield in 1964, Paul has been Deaf all his life. A pianist and organist, he holds degrees from Oxford and the RNCM. For 27 years, he led a charity supporting Deaf people in music before becoming a freelancer in 2015. In 2007, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Music.

Paul has performed at the BBC Proms, Cumnock Tryst, and Edinburgh International Festival, collaborating with top UK orchestras, choirs, and ensembles. He was the first in the UK to sign major musicals like *Les Misérables* and *Phantom of the Opera*.

He also works with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, is the BSL Leader for Rock Choir, and runs multiple BSL choirs, both live and online.

3 x Structured CPD points

Trainer: Paul whittaker, OBE

Language of Instruction: BSL & English (with English Interpretation when required)

Notetaker present: No

Cameras on or off? On (Mandatory)

Active/Passive Participation? Active

Recorded? No

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Host or Publisher Sign Senei