The Music Beat Studio is an accessible music-making, recording and production space available to clients of Music Beat Therapy Services and the wider community.
The studio has been designed to remove a lot of the barriers that people wanting to make their own music could potentially face.
We provide resources which allow people of all capacities to engage in both acoustic and digital music-making.
We also support users with minimal recording experience to quickly learn the processes required to be their own producer.
What Makes the Studio Accessible?
Custom Control Panel: An Registered Music Therapist (RMT)-designed, physical keypad simplifies many of the key functions of GarageBand and Logic Pro, the main digital audio workstations used in the studio.
This removes the need to learn and remember keyboard shortcuts, highlighting and organising the most important functions in one place.
Instructions and Guides: Easy-to-follow instructions, labels and user guides are found throughout the studio, to assist with setting up microphones and instruments, using the recording interface and understanding the control panel.
Physical Accessibility: The studio is located on the ground floor, and the Music Beat clinic is wheelchair-accessible from the front and rear.
The studio also features a portable and adjustable “vocal booth” setup which allows users with restricted mobility to utilise our professional recording equipment.
Sensory-Friendly: The studio space has been soundproofed, which minimises the ambient noise in the room, and features muted overhead lighting.
A variety of sensory items are also available upon request.
Adapted and Accessible Instruments: The Music Beat Studio provides users with a variety of ways to make music with and beyond traditional acoustic instruments.
For example, the ChordBuddy guitar attachment allows users to play and move between different chords by pressing a single button at a time.
A MIDI keyboard, LaunchPad and iPads provide users of different physical capacities with many different digital options for everything from free improvisation to scaffolded songwriting.
RMT Support: The studio is designed for users to develop independence and become their own producer.
However, if you who would like some extra support, you can speak with Registered Music Therapist (RMT) and Assistive Solutions Team Leader Tom Hockey.
Tom will provide an induction, training in using the equipment, or ongoing production assistance throughout your project.
Studio Hire
The Music Beat Studio is now available for independent or supported hire to individuals, small groups/bands, RMT’s or support workers wanting to assist their clients, and anyone who wants to explore and develop their capacity for making music.
If you would like to learn more about the studio, or enquire about booking the space for yourself or someone else, please contact Tom.