Switch Accessible Music: Performance

The following instruments offer a range of ways for severely disabled people to become musicians whether solo or as part of a band. Included is free musical software for PC's and inexpensive commercial music software for games consoles.

For advanced use it can be very effective to combine any number of these instruments using a multi-track mixer. From here one-switch lead instruments can be performed on top of prearranged one-switch backing tracks. Nice.

This is a fledgling area with many more ideas and products to share such as the Non-Interventionist Music System, the Sound Beam and most excitingly The Skoog. Also see the Drake Music Project, DMP SW, The Garden of Music and Living My Song for many more ideas.

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Switch Mixer Lite (PC - Free)

An easy way to play sound samples using one switch. Individual sounds can be played over and over, or sounds can be played from a list at random or in order. Many potential uses.

Tink (PC - Free)

A simple 16-note sound sequencer that is a joy to use once you have understood the instructions.

Interact using a mouse compatible controller or single switch.

One Switch Guitar Shred Show (PC - Free)

A small download utility that gives one switch random control over the wonderful (online) Guitar Shred Show and Mr. Fastfinger's Guitar playing. Fierce.

TONY-b Machine (PC - Free)

As with Guitar Shred Show, this is another small utility that once downloaded, gives one-switch random access to most of the sounds of the TONY-b Machine. Very house.

E-Scape (PC - Free 30 day trial)

Switch accessible sequencer with one-switch play through capability.

Joy Music (PC - Free 30 day trial)

Programme up to 12 sound tracks (MP3, WAV, WMA files) then select and play them using one switch, two switches or any key on the keyboard. Hugely versatile sound sample player.

JoyToKey (PC - Free)

Can be used with two switches alone to open up the vast majority of keyboard accessible on-line musical instruments and toys.

Fluid - Interactive Sound Lab (Playstation)

A wonderful way to give musical control to switch musicians via a suitable switch interface. Especially if using some form of Non-Interventionist system.

Listen to one-switch musicans using Fluid here.

MUSIC 2000 (Playstation)

All a bit baffling until you discover the Music Jam section. A wonderful way to get switch musicians to jam together by triggering various loops and sound samples.

CREDITS: Huge thanks go to William Pilgrim for his support of one-switch musicians and gamers every where. It would probably have been another five years wait for this section to come into life without his inspiring work. Massive thanks also go out to Retro Remakes for support with hosting some of the files from this section. The batteries would have long ago gone flat here without their support. Thank you!