New Orleans (WGNO) — Preservation Hall musicians do more than perform for an audience.

They’re also teaching music students– including students with disabilities– how to play a musical instrument.

The city’s premier venue for traditional jazz has a special program that includes in-person learning, from musicians like trumpet-player Kevin Louis, and a free webinar series featuring teachers and musical therapists.

Pamela Blackmon, Preservation Hall Foundation Development Associate, says music is the “universal language,” and the webinar series “can be used to connect with people with all types of abilities.”

Blackmon says one segment in the series shows students, parents, and music teachers how to make “adaptive” instruments to suit each student’s abilities, and she praises Preservation Hall musicians in the program for their commitment to “protecting, preserving and perpetuating New Orleans music and culture”

“We have to tackle barriers,” says Blackmon, “and increase accessibility on a community-wide scale.”

“Partnerships with Kate Lacour of NOLArts and our community of educators are helping us build sustainable, equitable, and inclusive music programs for students with disabilities.”

Access the free webinar series here.