Soundbeam for Assistive Technology in the Music Classroom

Though there are many areas of education that students with disabilities have difficulties participating with, I believe it is extremely important that every student is allowed to experience music. The Soundbeam is a very sophisticated digital instrument, which uses synthesizer type effects, that is played through various motions made by the player.


The instrument consists of a floor pedal, a controller, and sonar-like sensors that detect movements and translate the movements into sound. Though it is not made exclusively for students with disabilities, its ease of use makes it ideal for such students. The Soundbeam special needs and therapy section is actually dedicated to students with disabilities offers ideas and examples of how the Soundbeam can help such students.

The student in the following video composed the accompanying music on his mac and performs the lead with a Soundbeam by moving his powered chair.