|
The Accessible Music Project(s). |
No barriers for inclusive and accessible music engagement with low-cost, open source technology |
Low cost microcontrollers, sensors and sound effects circuits can trigger any sound e.g. chords, tones, percussion (mono or polyphonic) or a sound file. For flexibility these are then built into base stations and actuators or stand-alone devices. |
 |
A keybourd requires complex skills. |  |
 |
Put a micro-controller and a MIDI generator into a box and generate any chord when pressing a push button switch. |  |
Actuators: Making it happen e.g. playing an A major chordThe actuators are key to participation. They simplify playing notes, chords, or percussion. One approach is to use a basic on /off switch, in this case a push button. If a students "motor" control lacks accuracy, then use a large button. If a user or student has limited movement then a small button using a fingertip might help. Or you could use a foot switch. These switches are either plugged into a base station or built into a standalone unit.Importantly they support reinforcement through consistent actions. It is also possible to use pressure pads, joy sticks,, ultrasonic range finders, capacitive sensors, time of flight or motion detectors to name but a few. |
 |
Base Stations: Home or group use.These generate melody, harmony, rhythm or even pre-recorded sound files. They are designed to accept a variety of actuators depending on participants needs.Ease of operation is designed in.The one shown has four inputs so uou can play four tones, chords, or percussion. (You can play many tunes with four chords)! It has a built-in speaker and amplifier, plus a metronome. There is also an output to (say) a laptop to monitor progress for objective measurements. For further examples look in [Projects}. |
  |
Standalone / Self ContainedThis small whiteboard was modified to assist a student with poor vocalisation to participate in a singing session. The music therapist led a session singing and playing "Old McDonald Had a Farm". Pictures and sound files can be changed according to need. It works by capacitive sensing, similar to some touch screens. Just laying a hand on the appropriate image triggers the associated sound. Article. N.B. Self contained or stanalone devices have the advantage that they can be taken home by users / students. This allows carers to give continuing support e.g. supporting music and movement exercise to improve dexterity. |
 |
Proof of ConceptSome devices are built just to demonstrate a technique. Such as an old shelf turned into a contactless keyboard. The mathematics behind music can be seen in the coding. e.g. Key or octave shifting. |
 |
SpecialsFestive Road based in Milton Keynes asked if I could add sound to their dragon so it could have a voice. The "Dragons Voice" box was the result. Gwnnhaff the dragon now has a voice using an Adafruit SFX card. All contained in a small self contained box fitted to the handle bars. The speaker and amplifier are inside the neck. Archie and Harminder also have voices. |
Control Box |
Gwnnhaff |
