Music Technology in Education

The video above shows a student with special needs composing and performing music with a device called the SoundBeam. If you are anything like me, the video is an extremely powerful example of how the human spirit has an inate desire to create music - no matter what obstacles are placed in the path of that goal.

For the past few years, I have been telling as many people as I can about this incredible musical instrument called the SoundBeam. I blogged about it a few years ago, but I wanted to bring it to your attention once again.

When I became the Managing Director of SoundTree nearly two years ago, one of my first priorities was to make SoundTree the retailer of SoundBeam here in the United States. The device was created in the United Kingdom over 10 years ago and has widespread adoption across schools in the UK - both those who specialize in teaching students with special needs and mainstream schools. I have a very strong personal commitment to making the meaningful creation and performing of music accessible to students of all abilities - especially those with severe disabilities. That is why SoundTree is now a partner with SoundBeam to bring this wonderful device to the US.

So just what is the SoundBeam and how does it work? SoundBeam is a device that converts physical movement into sound. Using ultrasonic sensors, the SoundBeam system detects the speed, gate and distance of even the smallest movements you make with anything from a fingertip to your entire body. These ultrasonic signals are converted by the SoundBeam controller into MIDI information that can then be processed by a sound module, keyboard, or sampler. The controller itself does not make any sound, but it does allow the user to choose from one hundred different pitch sequences, each containing up to sixty-four notes. The chosen pitch sequences are then sent via MIDI cables to a synthesizer and ultimately an amplifier so that the movement can be heard. This might sound a bit confusing, so I’ll simplify: (1) Plug up to 4 ultrasonic sensors into the SoundBeam. (2) Plug up to 8 momentary switches into the SoundBeam. (3) Plug the SoundBeam into a MIDI-compatible synthesizer. (4) Plug the synthesizer into a speaker. (5) Select the pitch sequence. (6) Move. Instant kinesthetic music.

The SoundBeam system was originally conceived to be used with modern dance performances in England. It was soon realized by music educators that the system had the possibility for some powerful applications in the music classroom, specifically with special needs students. Because the SoundBeam does not require the mover to have musical training (it only requires the ability to move – even an eyebrow) the opportunity for students with special needs to create their own music is very real. Because of the MIDI capabilities of the SoundBeam controller, it can even be hooked up to a notation program so that the students’ movements can be converted directly into musical notation. Pretty amazing.

This week, SoundTree is at the American Music Therapy Association’s Annual Conference in San Diego showing the SoundBeam, along with some other Korg products that can be used with students with special needs to create music. If you are attending the conference, please stop by our booth (#508) and check out the device for yourself. If you aren’t attending the conference this year but would like more information about the SoundBeam, including the possibility of a demonstration or free online course, contact Brad Smith - SoundBeam Product Manager for SoundTree. For more information about pricing, visit the SoundBeam page on our online store.

I welcome your comments and questions.