2025-03-17 12:23:59
Woman who began drumming aged just seven turns passion for music into award winning business
When Gemma Brown started banging a drum as a child to help strengthen her weakened arm, little did she know that years later it would transform into a successful business.
Gemma’s parents Ann and Stephen gave their daughter a drum to play at the age of just seven to help with building up strength in her right arm.
Following complications during her birth, Gemma, was diagnosed with Erbs Palsy and has learning disabilities.
She is also partially sighted in her right eye and has limited use of her right arm.
Mum Ann, 59, said: “By the age of seven Gemma had undergone multiple operations on her arm.
“It was weak so we gave her a drum to use as part of her therapy to build up the strength in her arm.
“She loved it and she’s not stopped drumming since.”
As a teenager, Gemma, who lives at home with her parents in the small village of Altarnun in Cornwall, attended the West of England School and College for the Visually Impaired and Blind.
And it was during her studies – in which Gemma achieved an O level in Music – that Ann started to consider what her daughter could do when she left education.
That’s when the idea of Rhythm Sticks was born.
“I have always loved drumming and play every night of the week,” said Gemma. “And I’ve even got a 20ft soundproofed drum studio at home.
“Mum and I started to talk about how I could use my talents and whether there was a market out there to run percussion workshops for learning disabled people like me.
“We trialled Rhythm Sticks during the school holidays in the spring and summer of 2008, and the workshops were really well received.“
Gemma, who is supported by us at our respite service in North Cornwall, and mum Ann then started work on turning Rhythm Sticks into a fully-fledged business, with their dream becoming a reality in September 2009.
Gemma, supported by Ann, delivers percussion workshops across the south west – even returning to run sessions at the college she attended in Exeter.
She has also performed at shows including Blue Light Day and the Royal Cornwall Show.
In 2011, Gemma was awarded The Breakthrough UK Ltd, National Independent living award for Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year.
Between them, the mum and daughter team have amassed enough instruments for 100 people, from Cajon drums, Bia Base drums to maracas, shakers and a full drum kit.
The pair say they enjoy running the workshops bringing the joy of making music to learning disabled children and adults.
“Gemma runs the business,” said Ann. “It’s her baby. I am her gofer essentially and there to support in whatever is needed.”
The family are all musical and perform in Launceston Town Band.
Ann is conductor as well as playing many brass instruments while dad Stephen, plays the tuba.
Gemma, now 36, plays the cornet and the trombone, despite having limited use of her right arm.
Gemma is also a key member of the Hft respite service she attends, spending time enjoying a variety of activities including growing vegetable’s in the garden poly tunnel.
Gemma, who’s a fan of country music legend Dolly Parton, says she is proud to run her own business.
“Music is my passion and my hobby,” said Gemma. “It’s very rewarding to be able to share it and I can see the benefit and joy the percussion workshops bring to others.
“I don’t let my learning disability and my physical difficulties hold me back in any way in me achieving what I want to.”
Gemma said if she could perform alongside any band it would be to play the drums with rockers Queen.
“I’d love to be on the stage banging away at the drums with Queen,” she laughed.
“That would be a dream come true.”
And for mum and dad Ann and Stephen, they couldn’t be prouder of Gemma and all she has achieved.
“It’s amazing to think that when Gemma was born, medics told me she would never walk or talk,” said Ann.
“Now I can’t keep her quiet.
“She’s an amazing young woman and living proof that having a learning disability should never prevent you from following your dreams.”
Photo captions: Photos show Gemma drumming. Picture two shows Gemma with her mum Ann.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
