About Dan Ellsey...
Once you meet Dan Ellsey, you never forget him. His determination, humor and talent for music have brought inspiration and joy to the many students, musicians and healthcare professionals who have had the chance to work with him or see him perform.
Dan Ellsey was born in Lawrence, MA. At 5 months old, Dan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Dan’s condition was severe and affected his ability to control his muscles, walk, and talk. Even today, Dan uses a wheelchair for mobility and a device with an adaptive switch to help him communicate. Dan says, “Without communication at a young age, my family always had to guess what I wanted. This was very difficult.” It wasn’t until Dan was about 8 years old that he discovered his first method of communication, which was a chart of basic needs kept on his tray table. “I could look at a row that contained the word I wanted to communicate and the person I was talking to would move a finger across each word in the row to find out what I wanted to say.”
Dan went on to learn about the world of adaptive technology and communication, which made a world of a difference in Dan's life. Dan graduated from the Massachusetts Hospital School. It was here that Dan realized for the first time that he could create music, via a keyboard synthesizer his music teacher set up for him on a computer. Dan had his first opportunity to perform music with a band called “Headbangers”. In 2004 Dan took his music talent to a new level when he was introduced to the Hyperscore software by its inventor, Tod Machover of the MIT media lab. He composed his first piece of music called “Our Musically” and it was performed live by the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra.
Since then, Dan has put out a CD of his work and has performed for thousands in Cambridge, Boston, Monterey, CA, and most recently at Merrimack College in Andover. Dan enjoys sharing his story and his music with students at elementary schools, high schools and colleges, as well as healthcare professionals at all levels. He plans to continue his career as a motivational speaker, composer, and conductor through collaborations with various orchestras and schools in the Boston area.
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When I give a presentation, I hope to educate people on what it is like living with a disability, and how much one can accomplish despite the challenges. I want to encourage those living with disabilities to ask for help when you need it, and to never let your disability stop you from achieving your dreams.
Dan Ellsey was born in Lawrence, MA. At 5 months old, Dan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Dan’s condition was severe and affected his ability to control his muscles, walk, and talk. Even today, Dan uses a wheelchair for mobility and a device with an adaptive switch to help him communicate. Dan says, “Without communication at a young age, my family always had to guess what I wanted. This was very difficult.” It wasn’t until Dan was about 8 years old that he discovered his first method of communication, which was a chart of basic needs kept on his tray table. “I could look at a row that contained the word I wanted to communicate and the person I was talking to would move a finger across each word in the row to find out what I wanted to say.”
Dan went on to learn about the world of adaptive technology and communication, which made a world of a difference in Dan's life. Dan graduated from the Massachusetts Hospital School. It was here that Dan realized for the first time that he could create music, via a keyboard synthesizer his music teacher set up for him on a computer. Dan had his first opportunity to perform music with a band called “Headbangers”. In 2004 Dan took his music talent to a new level when he was introduced to the Hyperscore software by its inventor, Tod Machover of the MIT media lab. He composed his first piece of music called “Our Musically” and it was performed live by the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra.
Since then, Dan has put out a CD of his work and has performed for thousands in Cambridge, Boston, Monterey, CA, and most recently at Merrimack College in Andover. Dan enjoys sharing his story and his music with students at elementary schools, high schools and colleges, as well as healthcare professionals at all levels. He plans to continue his career as a motivational speaker, composer, and conductor through collaborations with various orchestras and schools in the Boston area.
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When I give a presentation, I hope to educate people on what it is like living with a disability, and how much one can accomplish despite the challenges. I want to encourage those living with disabilities to ask for help when you need it, and to never let your disability stop you from achieving your dreams.