Creating Space for Facilitated Music Performance: Gesture Controlled Sound for Users with Complex Disabilities

Musical interactions have the potential to increase emotional well-being, self-confidence and self-motivation. However, the ability to actively participate in creative activities involving music performance has so far been difficult for users with complex disabilities. This paper discusses placing a technology probe, using gesture based musical controls, in an existing music technology project for users with complex disabilities (conditions which affect both cognitive and motor abilities of an individual). The focus is on understanding the needs of this user group in a participatory design approach for creative music technologies that allow for tailored accessibility. Outcomes from this research show that many multi-level social interactions surrounding the technology, users, audience, and any third party facilitators exist in the context of 'facilitated performance'. Results suggest that including facilitators in the design of Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs) could allow for improved accessibility for users with complex disabilities.