** TW: Discussions of suicide and depression **
Breaking The Third Wall Through Music's Mission statement:
The mission of Breaking The Third Wall Through Music is to break the barriers between ableism and music, by bringing a wide range of musicians, regardless of disability, instrument, background, and field of interested across all genres to chat.
This week I had a special guest on to talk about sensitive topics, along side some talk of research.
About Ethan:
" I could never have thought about how much music would affect my life the second I set foot in my middle school’s band room; the people I had yet to meet; the experiences I had yet to have and most importantly, the beautiful journey I would experience and still will experience for years to come. I feel that my mission in life is to spread joy through music and be a small part of making the world a better place for everyone. As with all things worth doing in life, there are many obstacles I must face in this mission of mine; my disability being the primary enemy.
I was born with a genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This disorder is essentially a muscle-wasting disease that significantly affects the function of many important organs such as the heart and lungs. Most people who have this disorder usually end up losing the ability to walk around their pre-teen years. Eventually, some individuals will need assistance breathing, eating, and may have trouble swallowing. Other individuals, like myself, rely on other people to assist with preparing food, bathing, dressing, and other essential things. The illness can indeed be fatal. Some may only live into their late twenties and early thirties while some may live longer. Fortunately, with improved medicine/technology, it is possible to live a full life span. I personally am fortunate to be a healthy individual and do everything within my power to take good care of my body which can help improve my lifespan.
Unfortunately, though, we live in a world made for able-bodied people. The disability is hardly ever the reason barriers exist; it is rather society that creates the issues. Ableism is deeply rooted in likely every culture and subculture, even the culture of the music community. I have personally experienced ableism as a musician with a disability. Have you ever thought about how frustrating it can be to a musician with weak arm and finger muscles to play sixteenth note runs at 140 bpm or how difficult it may be for someone with breathing issues to phrase properly? Is it fair that individuals with disabilities must feel that they will never be good enough to chase their passions due to the set ideals of what society defines as a “good” musician? I have been in this place and it is not pleasant. Depression, fear, and despair took hold of my being and almost pushed me to suicide, but something stopped me and showed me the possibilities of my life. I realized that most of the great minds of the world such as Beethoven and Stephen Hawking were likely in my shoes at one time in their lives: struggling with their disabilities and professions as well. Forced to make a choice; fall, or heroically trudge into their struggles and live their lives for the sake of others. I truly feel that my new mission in life is to show that people with disabilities belong in music. I hope to do research and find ways to make music more accessible and I am determined to be a composer and conductor. Hopefully more will follow suit. "
Our social Media:
Facebook and Instagram: @BreakingTheThirdWallInMusic
