SoundHouse Music Alliance (SHMA) is developing innovative resources to empower children and adults with disabilities to engage in music creation through technology. Utilising the Banana Keyboard paired with a highly customisable iPad application, this initiative aims to remove barriers to artistic expression in therapeutic, educational and community settings.
SHMA has collaborated with Benji Miu, musician and producer, to compose original music resources and design comprehensive training materials. This work aims to equip music therapists and teachers with the skills to effectively integrate this adaptive technology into their practice. SHMA is planning training sessions for later in the year.
Participant Impact
Maeve was among the first participants to trial the newly developed resources. As the Banana keyboard can interface with assistive technology, Maeve successfully utilised her head switches to trigger music and sound effects, granting her agency over her creative output. Maeve’s participation spanned private music therapy sessions, as well as collaborative community music-making environments. These new resources have enabled Maeve to trigger musical phrases and participate in group music making, specifically using her favourite marimba and glockenspiel sounds that would otherwise be physically inaccessible.
Maeve’s mother, Penny, has expressed that Maeve is at her most interactive and responsive when engaged in music making; these new resources allow Maeve increased autonomy, self-expression and social connection with others.
