Exciting News: Introducing the Sound Moves Project!

We are delighted to announce we have partnered with The Amber Trust to deliver the Sound Moves Project. Working with bespoke instrument developer Tim Yates and supported by Professor Adam Ockelford, the project will develop and trial a new sensor-based MIDI controller and improve access to music-making for children with Batten disease and conditions that constrain movement.

Founded in 1995, the Amber Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting blind and partially sighted children with their musical development and high-quality music education. It is estimated that there are 25,000 children and young people with a vision impairment in the UK, most of whom have additional disabilities, and Amber supports around 650 of them every year with music lessons, instruments, specialised equipment and access to musical activities such as concerts and performances, and through direct music services for families with visually impaired children aged 0–5 (Little Amber) and children aged 5 to 18 with complex needs (AmberPlus).

With Music in Mind is an innovative service offered by The Amber Trust. It aims to transform music provision for visually impaired children and young people with neurodegenerative disease by providing parents, carers, teachers and therapists with freely available resources, and offering visits from specially trained music practitioners. You can find out more and access the resources here https://withmusicinmind.ambertrust.org

Amber Sound Touch is an online resource for those wishing to teach music to a blind child. This comprehensive teaching aid comprises 13 engaging videos and a written guide, dealing with essential topics such as learning to play by ear, guidelines for appropriate touch in teaching technique, notation, improvising, practice and performance. These resources help families and professionals gain the confidence to engage with blind and partially sighted children through music.

We'll have more updates on the Sound Moves Project soon. If you want to learn more about The Amber Trust or know anyone who can benefit from their support, please visit their website at https://ambertrust.org.