The Current

Deaf musicians shatter myths about hearing impairments and sound

Is it an oxymoron to be a deaf musician? Or are the rest of us just not listening? Today, we rebroadcast the documentary "Deaf Jam" with an American Sign Language interpreted version online.
"Often times people are like, 'how is this possible? You're deaf. And you play music. That's such an oxymoron.'" - Sean Forbes, rapper and musician
"Is it an oxymoron to be a deaf musician? Or are the rest of us just not listening?"

Today we bring you the documentary "Deaf Jam" with the story of people who love the rhythms of music so much, a lack of hearing hasn't deterred them from pursuing a musical career.

And we're breaking new ground with an ASL interpreted version online. 

Here is Willow Yamauchi's documentary "Deaf Jam" interpreted by Toronto ASL-English interpreter, Kathy Munro.

 Two hundred years ago, Ludwig van Beethoven had little more than 12 years left to live... and by then, he was profoundly deaf. And yet, he would go on to compose some of his greatest works of art --- including his Ninth Symphony.

Still, many find it hard to imagine that people who are deaf can create music. Today we hear from deaf musicians who shatter any misconceptions.

Freelancer Willow Yamauchi is deaf in one ear. Her documentary is called "Deaf Jam." It originally aired in January. 

The Current's Documentary Editor is Joan Webber. 
 

RELATED LINKS

♦ Deaf and Loud - Sean Forbes
♦ Evelyn Glennie - Percussionist
♦ Evelyn Glennie: How to Truly Listen - TED Talk 
♦ Children's Hearing & Speech Centre of BC -  Janet Weil, Principal