“Never, never, never give up.” - Winston Churchill. Vanessa’s life changed after she was diagnosed with Cervical dystonia when she could not continue to teach or drive. She adapted and retrained to enable herself to work as a copy editor and proofreader. Vanessa did not let the challenges take away her passion for music. She continues to perform as a member of the Bader Big Band, a one of a kind ensemble (in the UK) of solely disabled musicians. Other than performing with the band Vanessa also provides private music lesson to students of all abilities. She has also written an instrumental teaching book “First Steps in Classical Piano”.

Can you tell us about the importance of music in your life? At what age did you start learning musical instruments?V:  Music has been my life ! I started playing the trumpet when I was 7 and the piano at 11. It was the whole soundtrack to my life and it was huge blow when my disability looked as if it might curtail this. I stopped playing the trumpet for about 3 years during the period when the Dystonia was at its worst but have fought back to make sure I can keep music in my life.

When and how did you join the Bader Big Band? Would you like to share any story or experience of a memorable performance?V: The Bader Band is a fairly new venture. It's supported by the Douglas Bader Foundation to help disabled musicians continue to play. All the members have some kind of disability, mostly physical disabilities. I joined in May this year. We had our first public performance in September at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire here in the UK at the annual conference of the One Handed Musical Instrument Trust. We were joined by various disabled players from across the world including America and Australia. The American performer was one of the people who makes adaptive instruments to enable disabled disabled people to play an instrument. The concert was very well received and we look forward to more performances.

Which do you prefer, playing in a band or teaching music and why?V: I love both performing and teaching. They give very different outcomes but I suppose given the choice I would always want to continue performing. Teaching allows me to pass something on to the next generation and in this day and age it is not easy to get instrumental tuition through the school system here in the UK so teaching from home allows that flexibility.

How did you come up with an idea of your book “First Steps in Classical Piano”? How this book is different from other piano learning books?V: First Steps in Classical Piano was actually first suggested by the publisher. He was looking to expand his repertoire of teaching materials beyond guitar and drums. It differs from traditional books in that it moves to looking at chord structure earlier. I think this gives the reader a greater opportunity to experiment with their playing and find new ways to use the piano as an improvisation instrument.

What motivated you to keep going during your challenging times?V: I'm pretty stubborn in nature. It has been a huge challenge to me over the last few years, first losing my job and then my driving licence to Dystonia but every time I was told 'You'll probably never work again' I think part of me was not prepared to take that lying down. I would never have been happy to lose my music so that has spurred me on to find new ways to manage the disability.

Who is your inspiration?V: I don't think there is one particular person. I always look at the other members of the Bader Big Band and realise that I'm not alone. I volunteer at a local music charity called Music Living which supports singing groups for people with complex learning disabilities and they are such a happy and uplifting group of people to be with. I'm always reminded of how lucky I am, despite everything that has come along to challenge me. I love a song by Karine Polwart entitled "I'm gonna do it all". It sums up my outlook in life.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?V: The Falkland Islands. I went for a brief stay and it was the most amazing space. So ruggedly beautiful and such calm. I would love to return and see more of the wildlife. The islands are so unspoilt.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?V: I love to go to live concerts, there is nothing better than hearing music live. I'm also a big fan of the cinema but choose my film watching very carefully. If we're not able to get out and about a good game of Scrabble will see my husband and I through the winter days.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn piano?V: My tip would be to find a great teacher. All teachers are different so one teacher may not suit all learners. Make sure you know what their qualifications are, and what genre they specialise in. The relationship with your teacher is crucial to your success.

Any special message for our community?V: Life is full of challenges. I remember someone once saying that 'God only give you as much in your life as he thinks you can cope with'. I don't think it matters whether you are religious but that always spurs me on to think, "I can, and will, cope". Never give up on dreams and if someone tells you that you can't do something because of your situation see it as a challenge. Never stop fighting for what you really want !