The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all
- Josiyah Martin

Spotlight on Adrienne Cullity

Mixed Abilities Program (MAP) convenor and tutor,
musician, educator, gardener

Beethoven, Bach, Ballet, Beatles and… Bugs?!… are a few of Adrienne Cullity’s favourite things.

Adrienne’s life is filled with music, whether it’s playing in her home, inspiring movement, or providing energy and relaxation. Much like Adrienne’s passion for gardening (hence her love of bugs and earthworms), she adores how it makes her feel connected, whole, and healthy.

“I am always amazed by how complex and beautiful music can be, and it fills me with awe, as does nature and airplanes.”

Adrienne’s musical journey began with her mother singing to her, followed by singing at church with her family, and then commencing piano lessons as a 6-year-old. She went on to accomplish her AMus, LMus, and Honours Degree in piano performance, and pursued a path in music education, gaining training in methods such as Kodaly and teaching primary classroom music. Adrienne understands the importance of music education and taught her four children how to play piano when they were young.

Adrienne plays a key role at MfC in the Mixed Abilities Program (MAP), an inclusive music program for adults living with disability. She co-tutors a MAP session on Fridays alongside the fabulous Katie Cole and has recently been appointed as a convenor to help develop the program and extend its reach. Through this work, Adrienne sees first-hand the profound impact of making music together.

“I really enjoy making music with others and seeing the enjoyment of the participants.  It’s wonderful to see everyone having fun singing and dancing together.”

As MAP convenor, Adrienne is designing a curriculum that will optimise the program’s benefits. Skilled in planning creative, engaging, and dynamic lesson sequences, she is ensuring that each session offers valuable experiences.

“The lessons include games, songs and percussion playing that provide opportunities for developing social skills, ensemble skills, hand/eye co-ordination and pattern recognition.  The brain likes order, and musical patterns are great for cognition. There are also opportunities for relaxing while listening to music, dancing and having a turn at solo performing for the group.”

For Adrienne, music and nature both offer connection, inspiration, and vitality—enriching her life and those around her.