My name is Anna Batson and I'm the regional project coordinator for the Drake Music Project.
I run two music projects in Bristol and in Plymouth - Plymouth is the newest project and we started working here in January 2003. My job is to create opportunities for disabled people to gain access to music through technology.  | | Jamming at the Soundhouse |
For example we use the sound beam - an ultrasonic device that works on ultrasound.
If you break the beam with movement then it triggers a musical note - it's a bit like a keyboard in open space - if that makes sense! That's just one of the pieces of equipment we use. We have various other bits of software and tools such as switches and interfaces suitable for people with special needs. It's an opportunity to explore ways of making music they may not have thought of using.
A lot of traditional instruments aren't suitable for people with physical disabilities - although we don't rule out other instruments. It's a case of combining the right things for individual people - but quite often it is a new experience for them.  | | Michael - Playing the beam |
We've set up a course at the Plymouth Soundhouse which runs over a year.
The Soundhouse is an absolutely brilliant facility which brings lots of different people together to make music.
We study three elements - introducing the technology, music composition and working towards performance - although that's not obligatory. If people don't feel comfortable about performing then we completely understand.
And if making music is something they enjoy, there are opportunities to carry on studying for up to three years. | 
