SoundTree Teams Up With SoundBeam

While this company has been around for over 10 years in England, it is still one of those best-kept secrets here in the United States.  SoundBeam is a device that converts physical movement into sound.  Using ultrasonic sensors, the SoundBeam system detects the speed, gate and distance of even the smallest movements you make with anything from a fingertip to your entire body.  These ultrasonic signals are converted by the SoundBeam controller into MIDI information that can then be processed by a sound module, keyboard, or sampler.  The controller itself does not make any sound, but it does allow the user to choose from one hundred different pitch sequences, each containing up to sixty-four notes.  The chosen pitch sequences are then sent via MIDI cables to a synthesizer and ultimately an amplifier so that the movement can be heard.  This might sound a bit confusing, so I’ll simplify:  (1) Plug up to 4 ultrasonic sensors into the SoundBeam.  (2) Plug the SoundBeam into a MIDI-compatible synthesizer.  (3) Plug the synthesizer into a speaker.  (4) Select the pitch sequence.  (5) Move.  Instant kinesthetic music.

The SoundBeam system was originally conceived to be used with modern dance performances in England.  It was soon realized by music educators that the system had the possibility for some powerful applications in the music classroom, specifically with special needs students.  Because the SoundBeam does not require the mover to have musical training (it only requires the ability to move – even an eyebrow) the opportunity for students with special needs to create their own music is very real.  Because of the MIDI capabilities of the SoundBeam controller, it can even be hooked up to a notation program so that the students’ movements can be converted directly into musical notation.  Pretty amazing!

The SoundBeam website contains a video was shown that depicted special need adults and children with severely impaired motor skills making music with the SoundBeam.  The look on their faces is universally one of joy.  Viewers will be instantly reminded of the Theremin, the first music synthesizer that also converted movement to sound, except what comes out of the speakers was much more exciting.  The implications for music therapy and inclusion of special education students in the music classroom are tremendous.  Imagine allowing ANY student, regardless of their abilities, to make music simply by moving their body.

SoundTree has recently formed a partnership with SoundBeam to bring this incredible technology to all teachers here in the United States.  For more information about pricing and the specific hardware and software requirements for getting a SoundBeam system up and running in your school or institution, please contact Brad Smith at brads@soundtree.com [1].