A year-long placement with Sound Without Sight gave Sam Kenyon the opportunity to build practical skills, grow in confidence and discover new possibilities within the music sector.
Working as Community Lead, Sam’s role was wide-ranging. He supported community administration and monthly online meet-ups while also creating social media content, producing promotional videos and editing podcasts. The variety of the role allowed him to explore his interests in digital content and communications while gaining a better understanding of how charities and non-profit organisations operate.
One of the biggest areas of growth was public speaking. Initially nervous about hosting events and speaking to groups, Sam gradually took on responsibility for leading Sound Without Sight’s online community meet-ups and Q&A sessions. He also spoke at an RNIB event attended by more than 140 people—an experience that helped build his confidence considerably.
The placement also encouraged Sam to develop his own ideas. Through Sound Without Sight, he discovered new funding opportunities and went on to secure Youth Music NextGen Fund support for High Function, his own platform for disabled musicians, DJs, producers and artists connected by a love of dance music.
High Function is developing a podcast and radio series exploring disability and accessibility in the music industry, with plans for a club night featuring an exclusively disabled line-up.
For Sam, the placement has changed his sense of what is possible: “Now those avenues feel much more open.”
Thank you. Sam, for your time at Sound Without Sight!
