SAMPLE Inclusion

Our Software Assisted Music Participation for Learning and Expression (SAMPLE) training puts inclusivity at the heart of music creation. SAMPLE is devised from the perspective of an individual with disabilities who is unable to play an instrument, and with basic knowledge of music theory. Software and sampling is the solution to improving inclusivity in music creation for underrepresented populations. These are some of the issues and challenges SAMPLE can solve:

  1. SAMPLE removes the physical requirements needed to play an instrument

    At a minimum, you can input notes using a mouse and standard computer keyboard. If you have disabilities that mean you need to use additional peripherals to interact with the computer, these are likely to be compatable with DAW software. However if you have full use of your hands, there’s a lot of options and most people opt for a midi-keyboard.

  2. SAMPLE removes the requirement to read and understand traditional musical notation

    You can create notes, control the duration, intensity and volume within DAW software. It does not look the same as traditional sheet music and there is no explicit need to know it.

  3. Playing a “real” instrument is impossible or uncomfortable for whatever reason.

  4. You can input notes at whatever speed you want, and this is independent of the final tempo of the track.

  5. Make a mistake? You can just undo a musical note typo in the same way you would a word document.

  6. You can use a variety of keyboard commands to speed up the music creation process.

  7. You can save your track at any time and return to it - there’s no time limit.

The importance of physicality in music is entirely related to the importance of giving a “live” performance. Once you remove that pressure of time, you remove the element of physicality, making disability largely inconsequential. What is a solution to making music in a manner where there are no time pressures, and where physicality is not needed to make the sound of the instrument? Software and sampling.

SAMPLE tuition is available privately at £35 per hour, and we provide you with all the tools and information you need to start writing your own music. If you represent an organisation or charity, please contact us for further information about pricing or opportunities for funding.