Explore the magic of musical therapy

4:30pm Wednesday 24th September 2008

For many people with disabilities or special needs, the chance to play a musical instrument is not readily available. But this weekend a unique technology comes to Walthamstow which allows them to do just that. DANIEL BINNS finds out more

THE power of music is undeniable. It can stir the deepest emotions, let people express themselves and, if nothing else, is pretty enjoyable too.

But for lots of people, the chance to articulate themselves through sound can seem untenable. However this Sunday (September 28) Walthamstow’s Luma Group are holding a free special event for people with special needs to give them a chance using seemingly magical ‘soundbeams’ to make their own tunes.

It all works with the use of a small machine which beams out ultrasonic pulses into a room. The beams can detect the slighted movement, in any direction and at any distance (within reason). So all it takes is a tiny wiggle of a finger to make a sound.

As a result, people who perhaps thought they would never be able to play a piano or strum a guitar can make their own music.

The technology has helped thousands of people across the country, with some great results.

Tim Swingler, of Soundbeam, the company behind the technology, said: “There have been some fantastic moments using the technology over the years, particularly with individuals who perhaps can’t communicate that well using traditional means, but when they use Soundbeam they can be really expressive, which is a great thing to witness.

“In music therapy you often see a passive participation in the music or it’s very strongly percussion based. If you’re concentrating on rhythm only then that can be a challenge for everyone, but this lets anyone have a go and it can be very rewarding.”

The workshops this weekend see skilled musician John Ellis, who has worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel and The Stranglers, play along on his guitar with participants to help add to the musical experience.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I hope we can really get across the pure pleasure that making music can bring.”

To book a place on one of the Soundbeam sessions at Walthamstow’s City Learning Centre on the Billet Road, call John Ellis on 0781 515 1484.

The event is being organised as part of London’s Open Rehearsal weekend, to kick start the capital’s Cultural Olympiad. For more information, go to the website: openrehearsal.co.uk