Owain Wilson is co-founder of Digit Music and combines a practice as a musician, technologist and educator in the field of electronic music. Read more about Owain's experience here.
Music is for everyone. At least, that’s what we’ve always believed. But through our work in music, particularly in SEND education with the Able Orchestra, a disabled-led ensemble of musicians, we’ve seen first-hand the barriers that can prevent people from experiencing the joy of music-making. These experiences inspired us to create solutions that break down those barriers, making music more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Over the last 25 years I’ve worked as a teacher, musician and technologist and in this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about adaptive, assistive, and inclusive musical instruments, how they can transform classrooms and school communities, and how tools like the CMPSR joystick controller, Swipe music app, Arrownotes music notation game, and Backstage online hub are helping us make music accessible to all.
What are accessible, adaptive, and assistive musical instruments?
Through my work, I’ve come to appreciate just how transformative, adaptive and assistive musical instruments can be. They enable people who might not be able to play traditional instruments to engage with music, express themselves creatively, and experience all the benefits of music-making.
Adaptive instruments are specially designed to meet the needs of non-musicians and disabled musicians. They’re not just about accessibility, they’re about creating meaningful pathways to participation, helping everyone, regardless of ability, find their voice in music.
These tools often combine innovative design with cutting-edge technology, and they’ve been game-changing for many of the musicians we’ve worked with. The Able Orchestra is a powerful example of what’s possible, an ensemble where adaptive instruments and assistive technology allow disabled and non-disabled musicians to collaborate and create music that is nothing short of inspiring. Check out a performance here:
Why these instruments matter in music education
In classrooms, inclusive instruments can have a profound impact. Here’s what I’ve seen:
- They make music-making possible for everyone: Students who might struggle with traditional instruments can independently create and explore music.
- They empower non-specialist educators: Teachers who don’t have a music background can still deliver engaging and impactful music session.
- They support national education goals: These tools align with the National Plan for Music Education and Ofsted’s recommendations, making music education more inclusive and supporting well-rounded development for students in both musical and non-musical ways.
- They spark enthusiasm for music: Students who may not initially connect with traditional instruments often find these tools exciting and approachable.
Examples of adaptive and assistive instruments
There are fantastic resources available to explore inclusive music-making. For instance, the Berkshire Music Trust’s Accessible Musical Instrument Library and the Lancashire Accessible Instrument Technology Library both showcase a wide range of adaptive tools designed to make music accessible to all.
I’m especially proud of the solutions we’ve created, based on our own experiences in music education and performance:
- CMPSR joystick controller: A gaming-style music controller that’s intuitive and accessible for disabled musicians and students of all abilities.
- Swipe music app: A disability-friendly app that allows users to create music using simple gestures, or even just their eyes.
- Arrownotes: A fun and interactive music notation game that makes learning approachable for students.
- Backstage online hub: A resource-packed platform designed to support educators with lesson plans, tutorials, and more.
How these tools transform classrooms
We designed these tools to be flexible and effective across a wide range of educational settings. Here’s how we see them making an impact:
Special education
Through our work in special education, we were invited by the BBC to team up and make inclusive BBC 10 Pieces resources for CMPSR Swipe and Arrownotes (CMPSR’s accessible music notation). This includes open ensemble scores, lesson plans and resources for teachers working with young people with disabilities, special educational needs and disabilities and sensory impairments. Collaborating with the BBC’s Ten Pieces project has shown me how powerful inclusive instruments can be in these environments.
Primary schools
Younger students often connect with the gaming-style design of CMPSR. It’s a modern, accessible alternative to traditional instruments, helping students explore music composition, performance, and production in a fun and engaging way.
Secondary schools
For older students, CMPSR serves as an accessible MIDI controller, perfect for music composition and production. It’s a valuable tool for students who don’t play the piano/keyboard or might struggle with traditional approaches, but are excited by the possibilities of modern music technology.
Why we do this
Our goal has always been simple: To make music accessible, inclusive, and engaging for everyone. Whether you’re a specialist music teacher or a non-specialist educator, our tools are designed to empower you and your students to create, play, and enjoy music.
You can learn more about our solutions, including CMPSR, Swipe, Arrownotes, and Backstage, here: CMPSR at Chamberlain Music.
Music is for everyone. Let’s make sure everyone gets the chance to experience it.
