Bringing Live Music to Life for Deaf Australians

A Changing Experience

Many deaf Australians have lived their lives without ever experiencing music concerts or festivals. That is changing thanks to an increase in Auslan interpreters now attending live music events.

For a long time, hearing-impaired Australians felt anything but “lucky, lucky, lucky” when showing up to a Kylie Minogue concert. With no interpreter in sight and without the ability to lip-read, performers like Australia’s favourite pop princess held little appeal for profoundly deaf Australians who were forced to miss out on the full live music experience.

A New Era of Accessibility

Today, more performances feature Auslan interpreters, who not only interpret lyrics but also help create a genuine connection to the music for people with hearing impairment.

Cheryl Wilhelm’s Story

Speaking to ABC News, Cheryl Wilhelm—who has faced hearing challenges most of her life—shared how concerts once felt out of reach.

“As a teenager, I was just growing up and dancing. Did I really understand the music? Not really.”

With improved accessibility at events such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide, and performances with Kylie Minogue and Josh Pyke, Cheryl is now much more inclined to enjoy live concerts.

“You can feel the excitement building as you go in… and that’s really good, and then once you get in and you sit down, it’s just really nice to be included. I think that’s the main thing.”

The Art of Interpretation

Fellow deaf concertgoer Debra Swan described Auslan interpretation as more than translation.

“I remember one time they gave me a paper with the words on it, and I thought, ‘I’m supposed to read that?’ But there’s no connection in just the words — the vibe — there’s nothing there. There’s no emotion, no feeling through just words. You need to see that visually.”

“We want access to be able to get that vibe and to get the environment and the feeling around it. That’s what’s really important.”

The Work of an Auslan Interpreter

Auslan interpreter Claire Morrison began learning the language two decades ago and takes her duties extremely seriously. She prepares intensively for each performance—soon even joining Metallica on stage.

“It’s listening to the music over and over and over. Researching what the lyrics might mean, thinking about what they mean, embodying the feeling of the song, and then… using all of that to put together an appropriate interpretation.”

“It’s also thinking about pictures in your mind. Perhaps making a movie in your mind of the story that’s being told and having that in your head while you’re trying to express that through your body.”

Interpreting also brings her great joy.

“It’s a very joyous thing to do because everyone is happy and you’re providing access to Deaf people who you see their faces light up and the connections they make.”