IncLab Home | Disability arts design and inclusive musical instruments

A young girl stands holding a violin. There is an adaptive strap across her hand holding her bow.

IncLab

The Inclusive Arts Design Lab

IncLab is dedicated to bridging the gap between musical potential and disability.

We research and design adaptive musical instruments that empower young people with disabilities to explore their creative potential.

Together, we work to empower the next generation of leaders.

Innovative Design in Action

Explore how our adaptive musical instrument designs are transforming the creative expression of young musicians with disabilities.

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Violin bow guide (Photo: Nic Tsourlenes)

Adaptive Music Bridging Program

IncLab runs award-winning music training ensembles in partnership with Melbourne Youth Orchestras: the Marjorie Lawrence Band, Scrunchy Rock, and the Skinner de Bruin ParaOrchestra.

Research & Design Process

We bridge the gap between technological innovation and human expression through our rigorous, empathetic design approach.

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Needs Assessment

We begin by engaging directly with young people with disabilities to understand their specific challenges and creative aspirations.

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Testing & Iteration

Prototypes undergo rigorous testing in real-world music-making, allowing us to refine the instruments based on player feedback.

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Prototyping

We design and build adaptive instrument prototypes, focusing on assistive modifications and intuitive interfaces for diverse abilities.

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Deployment

Once validated, our instruments are integrated into educational programs to foster full participation in music and the arts.

Achievements & Highlights

Showcasing our key milestones and the transformative power of adaptive music performance.

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The Art of Us, Melbourne Recital Centre, 2023 (Photo: Nic Tsourlenes)

Study Network

Our Study Network offers opportunities for students, researchers and volunteers to connect and share ideas through monthly meetings, peer support and writing circles.

Our members have achieved big things, including our 2025 award from the City of Melbourne for improving Access and Inclusion.

The IncLab team, dressed in formal clothes, stand with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne holding a Melbourne Award. Everyone is smiling.

Our Team

Anthea Skinner, PhD

Director, People & Policy

Anthea Skinner is Senior Lecturer in Disability Creative Performance in the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne. She trained in music at the Victorian College of the Arts and Monash University.

Leon de Bruin conducts holding his trumpet.

Leon de Bruin, PhD

Director, Pedagogy & Training

Leon de Bruin is Associate Professor in Music (Performance Teaching) in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne. He trained in music at the University of Melbourne, Royal School of Music London, and Monash University.

Aaron Corn, PhD

Director, Technology & Design

Aaron Corn is Professor in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. He trained in music at the Queensland Conservatorium and Melbourne Conservatorium.

Meet the cutting-edge team of researchers redefining music participation.