Adam Ockelford is Professor of Music at the University of Roehampton, London, UK, working in the School of Education. He is active as a composer, performer, teacher and researcher. Adam started working with children with special needs and abilities as a student, and he became interested in how we all intuitively make sense of music, without the need for formal education. Adam pursued this line of enquiry, and gained a PhD in music in 1993, in which he set out his ‘zygonic’ theory of musical understanding. This theory has proved a valuable tool in music theory and analysis, in investigating musical development, and exploring interaction in music therapy and education. Adam is Secretary of the Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (‘SEMPRE’), Founder and Chair of Sounds of Intent Charity, an organisation that promotes inclusive music making; Founder and Chair of the AMBER Trust, a UK charity that supports visually impaired children in their pursuit of music, and a Trustee of Live Music Now, which provides music for social impact across the UK. Adam has written ov