Lesley Crawford
Creative Music Facilitator and Technologist
Dream
Make
Do
About
Musician. Mentor. Problem solver. Community builder.
A curious and creative problem solver. Enabler of weird and wonderful ideas. Eternal Optimist.
Motivation
Music is my home and my people, my safety and comfort, my ability to connect, a community and so much more. It provides light in the darkness and is a constant spark of joy in my life. It offers the opportunity to express and process complex emotions, the promise of adventure - exploring and navigating the abstract, the complexity of life - and it offers freedom. I help other people access some of what sound and music has given me. I have witnessed countless times the power of meaningful participation in transforming lives - growing confidence and self-worth, building relationships and opening dialogue, and giving the opportunity to surpass expectations, either of themselves or of others. It is truly powerful.
History
Having been fortunate to have been offered a range of instrumental tuition through school, and encouraged by supportive parents, I spent my formative years playing in orchestras and bands. In my later teens I was given a 4-track tape recorder which opened up a whole world of creative possibilities.
I went on to study a BMus with a focus on Music Technology at Edinburgh University where I was introduced to more abstract sound-based composition and working with electronics and MAX/MSP to create unique systems and interactions. During my undergraduate degree I was president of the Untapped Talent Society which provided rehearsal facilities, performance opportunities and community for students interested in playing live music.
I later returned to study an MSc in Sound Design where I focused my interests in sound technology and physical interaction, alongside immersive audio.
Now
Since university I have built a career working with individuals and groups to help them explore and create music, sound and self-expression in a way that is meaningful to them. I work with a range of organisations including charities, local authorities, youth work organisations and grassroots groups.
Much of my work is with children and adults with disabilities or additional needs, and teenagers identified as requiring extra support. My approach is participant lead and person-centred - I create the context in which people are able to thrive and help to build the scaffolding and systems which allow each individual to participate meaningfully.
This often involves the use and implementation of novel technologies and techniques, designed for or tailored to the person using them.
I am also an active musician and I love deep exploration of sound, micro-interactions, the movement of phase and discomfort of dissonance. I write and perform with the instrumental band Idiogram, our debut album (Reunion of Broken Parts, 2025) received very positive reviews. Live our set up augments traditional instrumentation with liberal and creative use of technology while the music is supported by live performed visuals from our long-term collaborator. Our shows have been described as an 'immersive, multi-sensory experience' and we always aim to push the boundaries of our writing and performing.
“Exceptional…Effortless…Playful…Exhilerating” The Skinny
"Electrifying … an intense, multifaceted experience" - TuneFountain
“A descent into a sonic multiverse that tests the limits of perception. Idiogram are one of the most compelling experimental acts today” - Last Day Deaf
