One Switch to Rule Them All – Hacking Access Switches and Exploring Issues in Inclusive Music Making

(FULL UP) One Switch to Rule Them All – Hacking Access Switches and Exploring Issues in Inclusive Music Making

18:00 – 21:00 (GMT+1)

Image shows a variety of access switches, all connected to a microcontroller.

Hosted by: Jacob Harrison, Alex Lucas, Emma Frid and Joe Wright

Maximum number of participants: 25

Abstract

This workshop focuses on issues surrounding the design of Accessible Digital Musical Instruments (ADMIs). Through discussion and a practical activity, we explore the technical, social and political challenges inherent in developing tools which enable access to musical performance and composition for disabled musicians. We will focus on just one challenge: using accessibility switches for making music. Groups of participants will devise new musical interactions via a single switch using Pure Data, aiming to increase the palette of expressive options available to disabled musicians.

We will be using Pure Data with the Instrument Maker extension for the practical activity during this workshop. We will send installation instructions to all attendees prior to the workshop.

Knowledge of Pure Data isn’t essential to participate in the workshop.