Universal access to participatory musical experiences for people with disabilities

Abstract

Participating in music is a promising way to provide therapy for people with neurological and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately people are often unable to participate in music because of cognitive or physical impairment, and the steep learning curve of playing an instrument. We developed the Sensor to MIDI Interface (SMIDI) controller in order to provide a common platform to create MIDI-based musical instruments that are appropriate for people with disabilities. In this paper we discuss the SMIDI controller and three unique applications that use the system. The first is the MusicGlove, a musical instrument that motivates use of the hand through practicing functional gripping movements. The second is a fabric-based sensor technology that can be cut into any size or shape and connects with SMIDI to turn ordinary objects into a musical instrument. The third is a sensor laden stuffed animal that elicits sounds through bending and squeezing various appendages. Through the SMIDI system we hope to make music participation an accessible and enjoyable medium for therapy. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.