Single Handed Guitar: Strum system for left abled users

Wednesday 20 April 2011

One strum system for left handed users is as follows.
2 electronic foot pedals can be used for the system. The right hand pedal initiates the strum while the left hand pedal determine the orientation of the strum, up or down.

This system promotes use of both brain hemispheres and with a little bit of practice allows for a huge range of expression. The learning curve for the system is somewhat steep however I would conjecture it is easily mastered. The system allows for the theories of rhythm therapy to be integrated as a control mechanism for the playing of the instrument.

The left hand is used to fret as normal. The left foot pedal works as a selector with depression being a down stroke and the right foot pedal works as an exciter, initializing the strum defined by the left.

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One handed guitar avenues for further research

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Patient with full left hand mobility on a standard right handed guitar






Tasks involved:




A - Implementing an automatic plucking/strumming system driven by
    Solutions:
        1) Simple mechanical mechanism
        2) Ebow tech driven exciter




B - Establishing sensor system in neck
    Solutions:
        1) Strings close circuit on fret initiating string exciters
        2) String depression breaks infrared sensor under string
        3) Pressure sensors in fret board


C - Foot pedal for strum orientation
    Solutions:
        1) A digital foot pedal


**All points take into consideration cost vs expressive range afforded patient**

Patient with full right hand mobility on a standard left handed guitar.
Tasks involved:


A - Implementing a chordal/melodic system
    Solutions:
        1)Preprogramed strum gestures for preprogrammed chord sequences
        2) Digital foot pedal chord selector




**All points take into consideration cost vs expressive range afforded patient**



Research Required
Research into the capabilities of recovering stroke victims ( to tailor the instrument accordingly) and the opportunity for neurological “re-routing” in hopes of regaining the abilities lost via isolated brain damage are required.
Rhythm therapy is known to play a large part in the re-assignment of neural pathways in the brain and as such would need to be studied in depth. The original idea was for the instrument to provide therapeutic relief in that it allows an injured guitar player to resume their hobby post-trauma, but I see no reason why a rhythmical emphasis cannot be introduced to simultaneously support the patients recovery.


Research will be needed into the neurological mechanics that support playing so that, for example: a patient using a footpad to excite a string with the right foot while simultaneously playing as normal with his her uninhibited left hand would not only be engaging in a mode of expression that 10 years ago would have been impossible for a patient in his/her position, but is also supporting the reconnection of left and right hemispheres of the brain.
From the studies completed to date, I can also see how this would be of use to those patients suffering from autism as well as stroke victims.


Resolving theories of neurological development/healing with a mode of interaction for the instrument must be to the forefront of this research.


Research into instrument design for the partially abled is a requirement with an eye toward usability also research into the most pertinent materials for any end product will be required.

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Music Therapy Design

Monday 18 April 2011

"Music Therapy Design is to act as an exploration of the field of music therapy with an eye on developing useful instruments and technologies supplying the patient with the tools that can best allow them to express themselves and practitioner with those the needs to administer care."

The mission statement of this blog represents an approach to developing instrumental and design solutions in the Music Therapy field. I am currently studying Music Technology in the University of Limerick and researching the field of music technology to get a picture of how I may apply the music technologist skill-set in researching and developing the ways to bridge the gap between patient and therapist allowing for a greater range of expression from the patient. 


My first port of call is looking into the development of a one handed guitar offering stroke victims and others who have suffered a paralysis the capacity to continue their relationship with the beloved instrument.

Preliminary research looks promising and I am currently assembling a thesis proposal in order to fully realise this project.

Oh, and Hi, my name is Stephen ! 




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Mission Statement

"Music Therapy Design is to act as an exploration in the field of music therapy with an eye to developing useful instruments and technologies, supplying the patient with the tools best allowing for expression and enabling practitioners to further administer care."

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