Inclusive music technology helps special school in Wales launch first orchestra
Pupils at Ysgol Y Deri in Wales are experiencing the benefits of making music together after the school introduced an inclusive digital instrument and notation system developed by Digit Music.
Ysgol y Deri is the UK’s largest SEN school has launched its first orchestra after introducing inclusive musical instruments designed to enable pupils with complex needs to participate in music-making.
Ysgol Y Deri, which supports around 500 pupils in the Vale of Glamorgan, has reported positive results following the introduction of Digit Music’s CMPSR instruments and Arrownotes notation system.
The school, which featured in the BBC documentary A Special School, caters for pupils with a wide range of physical, cognitive and additional needs.
Digit Music’s CMPSR instrument was conceived, designed and manufactured using technology based on an adapted wheelchair joystick. The accessible device allows users to create and perform music through intuitive movements rather than relying on the dexterity required to play many traditional instruments.
With support from children’s wheelchair charity Whizz Kidz and private donor Julian Morgan, Ysgol Y Deri has established its first orchestra, bringing together pupils using CMPSR devices alongside a range of other instruments.
The Every Learners’ Orchestra has already delivered several performances, with pupils working together to create and perform music as a group.
Teachers are also using Digit Music’s Arrownotes system, an accessible form of musical notation that uses colours and arrows to help participants follow and perform compositions.
The system is designed to enable teachers without previous musical training to lead inclusive and engaging sessions. Staff at Ysgol Y Deri have reported that the technology is also supporting wider learning, including reading, colour recognition, concentration and following directions.
Digit Music founders Si Tew and Owain Wilson developed the company’s digital-first approach to help more children begin making music immediately, using CMPSR devices alongside its Arrownotes and Swipe systems.
Lisa Rees-Renshaw, assistive technology advisory teacher at Ysgol Y Deri, said: “I was completely blown away when I saw what Digit Music could deliver.
“What got me the most was not so much the technology, because I could see how that would benefit the pupils straight away, but the way that their system meant any teacher could deliver music lessons.
“I’m not musical. I’ve tried to play and I just can’t, and I can’t read music either. But Si from Digit Music was so inspiring in showing us what teachers can do with their Arrownotes system.
“I just thought, ‘I can do that’. Pupils took to using the equipment so well and they really engage with it.”
Lisa has worked alongside a music therapist to establish the orchestra and create sheet music through Arrownotes that can be followed by pupils with a range of needs.
She added: “There are so many children in our school, whether their disabilities are physical or cognitive, who historically wouldn’t have been able to play a traditional instrument.
“By working with Digit Music, we’ve opened the door that says, ‘yes, you can’. What we weren’t expecting was the response from some of our pupils and the wider impact it has had.
“It has been about so much more than music. Teachers can see pupils use the instruments and know that they can read because they are following the system.
“They know they are selecting colours because we can see them choosing colours and arrows and following directions.
“Some children have never really shown an interest in reading. The music we are showing them moves from left to right, so we know they can read from left to right because they are following a piece of music.”
According to the school, participating in the orchestra has also encouraged pupils to engage with their peers, collaborate with others and experience a stronger sense of belonging.
Lisa continued: “This technology-enabled music-making has opened access to the same developmental benefits as traditional instruments, while also adding unique advantages such as accessibility, independence and creative agency.
“We are seeing increased attention, including shared attention, as well as improvements in problem-solving skills, confidence and teamwork, and a very clear sense of achievement.”
