With their keys, strings, sticks and valves, musical instruments can be overwhelming for any young student, let alone those with disabilities. Cue CMPSR, a disability-friendly joystick controller that makes musical composition and performance easier for players of all abilities.
Once users connect the joystick to the free CMPSR Swipe app, they can compose and play music using simple colors, shapes and arrow directions. They can also select the sounds of different instruments as well as background tracks and accessibility tools to control the music by swiping, tapping or even blinking for hands-free access.
CMPSR puts everyone in a classroom setting on the same playing field, including the teachers, as it doesn’t require any musical knowledge or training on their part.
CMPSR was born out of activity within the Able Orchestra, an evolving ensemble project that welcomes collaboration with people of all abilities, building an impressive performance history that includes a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
“(CMPSR) has opened up so many doors for me. I’ve been able to start a music career,” said Able Orchestra artist Jess Fisher, who went on to collaborate with the BBC Philharmonic and win such accolades as the Emerging Artist Award from The Mighty Creatives and a Creativity and Innovation Award from the Inspire Awards.
“When I was younger, if someone had asked me if I’d do something in music I’d have given them a no,” Fisher said. “Now it’s a definite yes.”
To learn more about CMPSR or to borrow it from our Lending Library, login or create an account at the link here.