By Karen Bale,

DEAF musician Evelyn Glennie was made a Dame by the Queen of England on December30th, 2006.And the Aberdeen-born percussionist said she hoped her award would inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Despite losing all her hearing at the age of 12, Evelyn, 41, has carved out a stunning career. She composes her own work and performs live around the world, regularly playing more than 60 instruments in a single show.

Evelyn plays by sensing the vibrations from the instruments. She has won more than 70 awards worldwide, including a Grammy, and has collaborated with everyone from Bjork and Sting to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.Reacting to the honour, Evelyn said:

"I hope the seeds I have sown will be taken up by those who will follow me, because the journey I have begun cannot be undertaken in isolation."There is much I still aspire to achieve. As with all awards of recognition, this gives me the impetus to continue to try to make a difference on a global scale."

Evelyn grew up on a farm near Methlick, Aberdeenshire. She lost her hearing because of a nerve disorder but insisted on going to Ellon Academy rather than a school for the deaf in Aberdeen.While at school, she discovered she could play the snare drum. She went on to win a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London.Evelyn has appeared on the South Bank Show and starred in an episode of This Is Your Life. As well as her music, she works as a motivational speaker and jewellery designer. She is active in charity work and is patron of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. 

source