Whittaker, Paul

Born hard of hearing and visually impaired; became deaf by age 8. Learned to play the piano at age 5, the organ at age 12, and began choir training at 13; received ARCO diploma at age 17, ALCM (piano) diploma at age 18. Graduated Wadham College of Oxford University, 1986, the first deaf person to earn a music degree at the university level. Won various awards, held various musical positions, and performed on television, radio, and the stage; founded the organization Music and the Deaf in 1988.