'Sound Effects'

Sound Effect Wiki.

The above Wiki looks at sound effects, the most common sound effects and the ways in which some sound effects are created.
Its interesting to see the interesting ways in which the sounds are created when the original sounds are unavailable.
Also interesting to see the associations which are made between creatures etc and sounds which are used within movies. For example one of the earliest sound effects used was that of a californian tree frog which was recorded in the early 1900's and used within a range of films and has now become the traditional sound for a frog with the typical "Ribbit Ribbit" sound.

 

The above video shows a few examples of the ways in which digital methods can be used to create sound effects.

'Chicken in a Cup'

Learn How to make a cup that sounds like a chicken. For more Science How-To Videos & Articles, visit WonderHowTo.

'Blue Man Group'

'Instrument Adaptation'

 

This video shows the way in which instruments can be adapted or played in different manners to the way in which they were originally intended to be used to create different very interesting sounds.

This could be taken further and the ways in which the instrument is held, played and generally interacted with could be altered to make the instruments easier to play with special consideration for the specific target market of those people with dementia.

'Unusual instruments'

The above video shows an animation of a 'self playing instrument' which uses arms to pluck the strings of a sort of table guitar(?).
Whilst the concept of a self playing instrument isn't not with the invention of a self playing piano (player piano) coming in the late 19th century the way in which this instrument has been conceptualised is (to the best of my knowledge) a new concept. 

While this instrument would have no real use within a music therapy setting, the concept of have a range of instruments mounted within a single piece of 'furniture' does appeal and holds many possibilites.

This video shows another form of improvised instrument, using the reed section from a trumpet and inserting the reed assembly and mouth piece into a length of vinyl tube to create a trumpet like sound.
Whilst I personally doubt the reliability of this video the idea of using pipes etc in this way is quite a nice idea and provides cheap alternatives to the brass equivelant.

See this article for further information on the way in which a trumpet mouthpiece works. 

This third video, shows the way a wind based instrument can be made out of almost anything (an egg in this case) and also shows that it is relatively easy to tune these instruments simply by englarging the holes which are made to provide the notes.
The man who creates these videos has a series of them created from a whole host of random and unusual objects, such as a burdock stick and a watermelon.

'Whistling'

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Whistle-from-a-Straw

'The Autoharp'

The autoharp is a relatively simple string based instrument which uses a series of bars with stops on the underside, so that when you press the button on the top section these stops are placed upon the string therefore deadening the sound of certain strings providing a set chord. (These stops can be seen in the beginning of the video where the camera can see into the working elements of the autoharp)

Whilst the instrument is relatively simple to operate and play, its very nature means that it would be hard to accompany with any other pitched instruments during improvisation as its possible for the user to jump from one end of the scale to the other between two separate chords.

This article (Article source here) explains some of the tunings that are used witihin small 'cigar box autoharps' which the author makes and also looks at some of the dimensions and problems that he has come across during his time making the autoharps.

The video above shows the method used by the creator of the video to create a 'cigar box guitar'.

The video is an interesting example of the ways in which it is possible to adapt the basic principles of instruments and using found materials to create playable instruments. Whilst I doubt the 2x1 neck offers a great level of playability and sound quality it shows that you can break the standard rules of instruments using the very best quality materials and techniques to provide a working instrument that can produce a relatively toneful sound.

'Making a Balofon (Ballophone)'

This video explores the traditional methods and techniques which are used to make a traditional African Balofon. The video follows a man who begins the process of making a balofon measuring out the lengths of wood to produce the main structure of the instrument, to creating the keys and fine tuning them, before attaching the dried vegetable 'balls' which allow the sound to resonate, The finally testing the instrument.

The simple idea of using a hollow vessel to resonate the sound produced from hitting the note is very useful when thinking about creating new instruments, especially if there was a method of also deadening the sound which is produced and resonated, to allow the user a greater level of flexibility with the instrument. 

'Parkinson's'

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition which can effect peoples motor and non motor skills often resulting in shaking (tremors) and rigidity. The condition is caused by a loss of nerve cells within the brain resulting in a lack of the chemical dopamine (which is known to help with movement). Alongside the tremors and rigidity, sufferers may experience pain and depression.

The condition effects one in 500 people (approximately 120,000 people within the UK), may of these people are aged 50+ however 1 in 20 people are diagnosed under the age of 40. 

The main symptoms (effecting approximately 70% of all sufferers) of Parkinson's are the tremors, which often begin within one hand whilst the muscles are relaxed but often spread down one side of the body over time. These tremors are uncontrollable but can be suppressed if the sufferer is active however, for example rolling a ball (or similar object) in the hand has been noted to reduce tremors.

Another common symptom is that of slowness of movement which can effect the way a person walks through to the way that they produce their facial expressions, which in turn reduces their ability to remain independent but also reduces their ability to communicate through the use of facial expressions (the combination of these symptoms can often lead to bouts of depression). Also many sufferers experience rigidity within their muscles which can often result in painful cramping of the muscles.

Alongside all of the physical symptoms many patients experience the introduction of mental health issues, such as dementia, memory problems, depression, anxiety and even hallucinations.

Information Source

'FreeNotes'

FreeNotes specialise in making outdoor musical instruments primarily for schools and playgrounds, however these have been utilised within a music therapy context in a number of care homes across the UK.

(Image Source)

Tubano drums are a popular range produced by FreeNotes, with the set of five drums providing a range of tones making them 'musically rewarding. 

These drums would be particularly useful within the field of music therapy as they are large enough to encourage the users to move their whole body to play the drums but are also simple to interact with reducing the risk of confusing the player. The drums are also brightly coloured which will attract attention to the areas which are to be played on. 

Whilst the upright position shown in the image above would make it relatively difficult for those in a wheelchair to play it could be possible to have them mounted an an angle making them more approachable.

(Image Source)

Eye Chimes are large tubes of aluminium, which offer lower resonating tones to the user, which 'grow, from the first hit' and become louder and louder with each subsequent hit of the chime. 

Again, the scale of these chimes encourages the user to move their whole body but limits the usability of a user within a wheelchair due to reach limitations from the chair limiting them to only playing a small selection of the notes. 

(Image Source)

Swirl Aluminium chimes, feature 26 chimes in the key of C Major and ranges in tone from soprano to alto. Each chime has an individual resonator (Green square section behind chime) which enables the note to resonate for long periods of time.

Whilst the chimes shown would be great for children, then uneven lines and many visible fixtures would more than likely distract and confuse someone suffering with dementia who would have a tendency to hit the lines between the chimes and the fixtures.

 (Image Source)

The Manta Ray metallophone is an outdoor instrument made of stainless steel with the chime bars suspended on two coated steel cables. with notes covering 2 octaves and a fifth (mirrored between left and right sides) in the key of C Major (Diatonic). 

The way the manta ray mirrors its notes between the left and right sides makes it suitable for playing by two individuals, encouraging listening to other people and interaction between them.

FreeNotes also have a page explaining why they are particularly useful for the elderly within a music therapy role in this article

'Autism Connects'

The Autism Connects brief was a competition brief set up by the Core77 Design community website, the brief looked at facilitating "positive change in the behavior of children with autism in a "safe" environment where no one will be embarrassed".
The winning entry is a simple arduino based USB controlled 'game' board which uses a series of coloured cubes which are placed on the game board to create a chromatic note from the C Major scale. But also offers an alternative version of the product which uses colour recognition through a webcam to recognise when colours cubes are placed on the squared sheet which is placed on the table.

(Image Source)

The above images show the two forms that the product can take, with the USB version appearing incredibly basic and boxy which seems unfriendly to the eye and makes the whole object feel hard to approach and utilise effectively. Whilst the simplicity of the product is nice i feel that its limited capabilities would severely limit its potential as an effective tool within music therapy for those with ASD. For example the product features a 'video game' approach to music therapy with the board controlling the on screen game, which I personally do not think would be overly suitable for sufferers of ASD who are likely to experience limited attention to tasks which are laid out before them. 

Another limiting factor of this product is its limited tactile nature as the only tactile elements which are frequently in contact with the user are the control cubes which appear to be simple plastic cubes. Whilst it could be possible to give each cube a different surface texture etc the fact they are a single shape still limits the tactile qualities, especially when compared to the traditional instruments which are commonly used within music therapy and all the tactile elements which are prominent with such instruments. 

So overall, whilst the simplicity of the product as a whole is a nice feature I feel that overall the product is flawed in its primary purpose to provide music therapy and all the elements which are used as part of the music therapy process.

'iPhone Therapy'

The increasing amount of people with 'smart phones' and tablet PC's and improvements in these technologies has inevitably led to the introduction of music based apps which enable the user to create music, simulate playing instruments and mixing music etc.
Below are a selection of music based apps which can be found on the iTunes store for free, (some are lite versions of the apps with the full versions generally costing approximately £0.59)

'Digi Drummer' - Magnick Software.

Digi Drummer (lite) is a free app allowing the user to create simple drum riffs with a selection of 8 MIDI based sounds programmed within the app. These riffs can then be recorded and played back etc, with the option of 3 different 'drum kits' or 'patches'. 

This app is relatively good as a simple drum app, however it would be difficult for this to be used by someone suffering with dementia who lacks co ordination. Alongside this, with the common fact that more elderly people are alienated by technology could cause more problems for the use of an app based solution. 

 

I Am Beatbox - Savage Apps 

I Am Beatbox, is a simple intuitive app which allows the user to mix a large variety of midi based loops by moving the 4 coloured gem stones over the grid with each square providing a different loop. Each Gem stone has its own loops within the grid so that the gems can be placed over one another and all play different loops.

The simplicity of this app makes it very easy and quick to learn how to use, with each of the loops being introduced to the mix to fit with the beat that is put down by the other gem stones.The simplicity and logic behind this app is something that could be easily put into place within a music therapy setting, However the lack of tactile interaction may reduce its effectiveness within music therapy and particularly the physical rehabilitation side of the therapy.

'Digital Music'

Digital music is a major player within the 21st century with almost everything that is being recorded being recorded using digital mediums, with the introduction of affordable high quality recording solutions home recording has particularly boomed in recent years.
In turn, this has also lead to the creation and development of affordable home recording software, such as 'Cubase Sequel 2' which not only allows the user to record their own music through the use of traditional instruments/an audio interface (such as a Line 6 UX2).
However, some of the software provides a range of loops for the user to 'drag and drop' within the software to allow them to create music through the use of pre recorded loops (see images below).

 

The main screen within Sequel 2, a simple layout with logically compiled listed categories of loops organised within the bottom 1/3 of the screen and the top 2/3 being dominated by the main production window and playback bar. The lists at the bottom of the screen can deduct all irellevant loops as you narrow down your search by selecting a category within each column, for example:

Selections

Piano, E.Piano, Classical, N/A , Bright.
Leaving the furthest most right column full of loops which fit all of the criteria selected making it incredibly easy to find the elements you feel your creation needs quickly and simply.

Once these loops have been selected they can then be 'dragged and dropped' onto the table and mixed with other loops, in the image above the purple band is the repeated drum riff with the magenta bands showing the Synth pad loops which have also been introduced. This simple set up allows for a song to be created in minutes. 

Alongside this, with the addition of a MIDI keyboard/controller, Sequel 2 takes on another role allowing the user to use the built in MIDI instruments to further enhance their recordings. This MIDI capability also allows for MIDI controller to be assigned certain loops/samples to the pads on the controller, allowing a sound to be played each time a pad is pressed. 

(Image Source)

(www.gak.co.uk)

Above is an example of a simple MIDI control pad, featuring 16 velocity sensitive pads and a single fader.

EducateInnovate

Educate Innovate youtube channel

Educate Innovate is a you-tube channel for the Educational Innovations website which is a teachers resource website selling a range of scientific experiments/projects for use within educational environments.

Many of these projects explore sound and resonance which is a key part of any musical instrument.

Of particular interest are the 'energy chimes' which can be seen below:

As you can see in the video the 'energy chimes' are simple metal tubes which appear to be suspended by string which allows the tube to resonate for a long period of time as it has very little contact to reduce the resonation.


Chinese Spouting Bowl:

The Chinese spouting bowl (shown above) is another product on the Educational Innovations website which is used as a demonstration of resonance with the use of two brass plates mounted on a large glass bowl. These plates are then rubbed by the user transmitting the friction and vibration through the bowl producing a melow sound from the bowl which can be altered dependant on the speed which the brass plates are rubbed.

Music Suppliers

Nordoff Robbins Equipment Supplier - LMSMusic supplies offers a wide range of musical equipment primarily to music therapists and schools etc.
A large amount of the equipment is of entry level, which it can be assumed is selected to suit its primary market of those within education.
The large range of instruments available is a good gauge of the range of instruments that could potentially be used within music therapy, however they also offer a large range of specialised music therapy instruments.
However, many of these specialised instruments come with a high price tag compared to the standard versions of the instruments, when many of them just feature a simple stand upon which the instruments are mounted. Within the LMS Catalog these 'specialised' instruments are highlighted by the use of a music therapy logo, however this is not done on the website. ( Catalog provided within the paper based research package)

Meetings with a practicing music therapist has highlighted a large amount of instruments which are used within their music therapy sessions with elderly people suffering with dementia, a selection of these can be found linked below:
Hand Chimes
Tambourines
Wood Blocks & Agogos
Temple Blocks
Cymbals

It must also be noted that many of these instruments have been altered in recent years and the music therapist has noted these changes with many of them reducing the usability of the instrument. (These have been mentioned in the appendices of the report for this module. )

'Music Theory'

Music theory is a widespread topic which cannot possibly be fully explained within one short blog post, therefore the research which follows within this post  is focused primarily on the scales etc which are used to create music with a particular focus on the ways in which this varies between Eastern and Western culture. This information will then be examined and its value and place within music therapy instruments concluded.


Western Music:
Western music makes use of a standard range constructed of 12; notes:

Seven whole notes:;

C D E F G A B

Alongside five half notes. (Sharps and flats, Flats shown below)

D♭; E♭; G♭; A♭; B♭

These notes are then used to create a range of scales (which then inform the construction of chords) which are then used to produce a majority of western music.;

There are many different scales which allow for there to be a wide range of music created from the same notes/chords. Also whilst many of these scales maybe referred to as a 'blues scale' there is no reason why that scale can't be adapted to alternative forms of music such as rock (This theory is primarily related to guitarists, for example Zakk Wylde was known for using the blues scale to construct many of his solos).;

Alongside the scales which are used to create western music there are also a series of 'Modes', a mode is essentially a pattern which informs which notes will work together in a harmony. For example;

T.S.T.T.T.S.T

Could be an example of a simple mode, with the T's referring to 'tones' and the S's referring to 'semi-tones'. Which can also be referred to as 'Whole step' and 'Half step'.;

There are many different modes, with each one offering its own very specific and individual sound allowing them to be useful to specific types of music. 

Traditional Eastern Music:

It should first be noted that the following information does not necessarily refer to modern Eastern music which has been recorded as having taken western influence within its construction, therefore this section looks at Traditional Eastern music such as traditional Eastern folk music. 

The primary difference between Western and Eastern music is the fact that within Eastern music there is the addition of quarter notes within the range. Whilst these are generally not played pitch perfect on recordings etc the instruments used are able to create these notes, whereas a large proportion of instruments used within western culture are not able to create them. This obviously is not true for instruments such as fretless bass guitars etc. which do not have the restrictions laid down by the fret boundaries within a guitar neck. 

Alongside this, there is the addition of 'Maqam' which is a modal system used primarily within Arabic music.

"In Arabic music, a maqam (plural maqamat) is a set of notes with traditions that define relationships between them, habitual patterns, and their melodic development. Maqamat are best defined and understood in the context of the rich Arabic music repertoire. The nearest equivalent in Western classical music would be a mode (e.g. Major, Minor, etc.)

The Arabic scales which maqamat are built from are not even-tempered, unlike the chromatic scale used in Western classical music. Instead, 5th notes are tuned based on the 3rd harmonic. The tuning of the remaining notes entirely depends on the maqam. The reasons for this tuning are probably historically based on string instruments like the oud. A side effect of not having even-tempered tuning is that the same note (by name) may have a slightly different pitch depending on which maqam it is played in." - Maqam World

As well as this the maqam also defines tonal progressions within the piece that is being produced as well as rules on the notes which should be played with emphasis, how often this should occur and in what order within the piece. 


Value to Music Therapy:

Whilst traditional chromatic scales can be used effectively as part of music therapy, it has been found that from a music therapists point of view that it would be best to avoid these in place of modal tunings. This is seen to allow the user to get better interaction with the instrument with less chance of playing a 'wrong' note. An example of this would be tuning an instrument to an 'Eastern mode' allowing interesting eastern style sounds to be produced easily from the instrument. 
The tuning on one instrument must be considered alongside the tuning or pitch of another instrument designed to be played in accompaniment to ensure that they will play harmoniously and not just create a jumble of noise of which nothing productive can be formed.

Sources:
Scale Creation
Guitar/Scale Wiki
'Shira' Eastern/Western musical comparisons.
Brittanica Eastern Music 
'Music theory 101'
Modal Music
Maqam World
Traditions of Western Music

'Living alone at 92'

Rose - Living alone at 92

This video from the Alzheimer's association showa the story of Rose, who is aged 92 and lives on her own in a flat and the ways in which she copes with living alone with dementia. 

Rose expresses that she enjoys sitting and watching what is happening in the street and that she lives primarily in the living room of her house, with everything she needs in that room. 

She also expresses how she enjoys having company and has "good neighbours" around her who look out for her, This is something that is mentioned by all the dementia patient profiles listed on this blog in an earlier post.

One of the other key elements within the video is the fact that Rose mentions that she enjoys doing the crossword in the paper and that it makes her feel like she's achieved something. 

This could be useful within a music therapy context as if it is possible for the user to feel they have accomplished something whilst playing a specific instrument it has a strong chance of enabling them to carry that feeling of achievement with them, giving them greater enjoyment from their sessions and greater levels of self worth and confidence.

'Improvised drums'

These videos of street performers demonstrate that pretty much anything can be adapted to produced relatively tuneful pieces of musical improvisation. 

You can see the the performer in the second video using his foot to bang the drum on the floor producing a 'kick drum' sound and hitting the top of the same drum with the sticks for a tom drum sound. This practice could be applied to other instruments within music therapy? Possibly to complicated to operate all the different elements of the body together? Too hard to achieve a good sound?