Music Technology
Capability has been using Music Technology since 2006, helping
those that use our services to get involved in composing and
performing music .The use of Music Technology such as "Soundbeam"
is an integral part of how we associate a link between an
individual's potential and the tool for unlocking that
potential.
Soundbeam is an exciting and fully accessible ultrasonic
'instrument' which converts movement into music. An invisible beam
is directed across the room and, when interrupted by any solid
object, like a hand or even a blink of an eyelid, it sends a
message to a MIDI device like an electronic keyboard or sampler.
This then plays a note or sequence of notes or chords. The beam can
be made as long as 6m, to respond to large movements, or as short
as 0.56m, to respond to even the smallest of movements.
Soundbeam can also be linked to switches and buttons,
which makes it accessible to people who have very limited motor
skills. Using this technology to express musical abilities can be
very exciting and wonderfully empowering.
In Specialist Education, soundbeam has been recognised as a key
resource in assisting people with disabilities who have previously
been very difficult to reach. Once an individual makes a connection
between themselves and the sounds they are controlling, they are
able to communicate, become expressive, and in many instances,
achieve national curriculum targets.
Soundbeam has a recognised impact across a wide spectrum of user
groups such as individuals with profound and complex needs,
physical and learning disability, a profound hearing loss
(Vibro-acoustic therapy) or a visual impairment by allowing and
enabling individuals to experiment with a huge variety of
sounds.
For individuals with complex needs, soundbeam gives the
potential for accessibility to the sounds that a variety of
instruments create and also more importantly, give the user the
control of that sound. Soundbeam is a fantastic tool in integrating
mainstream individuals and individuals with complex needs.
