The Adaptive Use Musical Instrument is a free software interface that transforms any computer with a webcam into a flexible musical instrument that can be played with just the slightest movement.

While the AUMI can be used by anyone, the focus has been on working with children who have profound physical disabilities.  The AUMI enables children with both physical and cognitive delays to play music and improvise with each other.  It allows users who have very limited controlled movement to independently engage in music making. 

Andrew, Brennen and I attended an AUMI Training Session at the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Music.  Musician and Occupational Therapist, Leaf Miller and multi-media artist and composer Jaclyn Heyen of the Deep Listening Institute demonstrated how the instrument is used and we took part in a drum circle where Brennen was set up to participate using the Adaptive Use Musical Instrument.  You can view a clip below.

That was just the beginning of our experience with the AUMI.  Working in conjunction with Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador, music therapist Susan LeMessurier Quinn, and Dean of the School of Music Ellen Waterman, our son Brennen was fortunate enough to be a participant in a research study exploring AUMI’s potential in both solo and group music therapy sessions. 

Brennen has had great success with the AUMI, and it has been truly a remarkable experience for me as his Mom, to see him independently making music!  To be able to freely express yourself through music, not confined by the limitations of your physical ability is a profound gift, without question!

We are thrilled to now be able to introduce the AUMI to our group of children here at Little Tulips Family Child Care.  Every child has the potential to create and to express themselves, and our goal is to empower them with the tools necessary to do so. 

The AUMI software is available for free download in PC and Mac versions at:
http://www.deeplistening.org/site/adaptiveuse/download