Computer music in the service of music therapy: the MIDIGRID and MIDICREATOR systems R. Kirk*, M. Abbotson+, R. Abbotson*, A. Hunt*, and A. Cleaton* zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV *Music Technology Group, Dept Electronics, University of York, YOl 5DD, UK; ‘North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre, ‘Dovecott’, Kirby Mills, Kirkbymoorside, Y06 6NR, UK; $Drake Research Project, 3 Ure Lodge, Urebank Terrace, Ripon, N. Yorkshire HG4 lJG, UK ABSTRAC’I The zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA paper describes the use of the MIDIGRID and MIDICREA TOR systems with a range of transducers and interface devices in music therapy. This opens up new possibilities, as well as new challenges in the way in which such technology may be used in therapy. Thz zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA paper includes a discussion of the role of music therapy, together with some case histories involving the use of these systems. Keywords: Transducers, music therapy, computer music Med. Eng. Phys., 1994, Vol. 16, 253-258, M ay INTRODUCTION The Music The Music Technology Group of York University (MTG) and the North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre (NYMT) have been involved in collaborative work for a number of years, investigat- ing the use of computer music instruments in music therapy. As described elsewhere’ NYMT conducts therapy with the aid of a van equipped with an electronic ke J board linked to a computer which runs the MidiGri system developed by MTG” . The work described here addresses the practical problem of enabling severely disabled children to send voluntary signals to the computer, and thus communicate through music, within therapy programmes. It also enables musicians from this section of the community to participate in the wider sphere of music making. New devices (transducers) which offer possible solu- tions to this problem are described below, and the degree of success obtained is discussed. The work also has a wider interest in the context of MTG’s work on the design of computer-based musical instruments, and this aspect is discussed last. THE POTENTIAL OF MUSIC THERAPY A response to music seems to be natural to the human condition. It exists irrespective of any handicap, illness or injury. Once alerted to the possibility of participation in musical activities, clients are almost invariably motivated to make prodigious efforts in doing so. The power and attraction lies in the music itself, so the task of the therapist is to devleop relationships in both musical and personal terms that will bring benefit. A music therapist needs to be sufficiently sensitive to the situation presented, so as to improvise music to meet this immediately. A Correspondence and reprint requests to: Dr R. Kirk 0 1994 Butterworth-Heinemann for BES 13.50-4533/04/03253-06 relationship begins to develop, capable of future growth, in which creative and expressive ideas and feelings may be mutually explored. It is within the nature of music to impose its own disciplined structures, patterns, anticipations and repetitions, while at the same time allowing for freedom of expression, the development of fresh ideas, and the seeking and finding of solutions. All the above mentioned qualities have a subtle effect on those participating, particularly as the joy of the experience increases. The mentally handicapped tend to develop greater control and concentration; the physically handicapped frequently show a greater range of movement; and the emotionally disturbed begin to find some relief, in an activity which offers a controlled expression of their inner turbulence. Conventional acoustic musical instruments are traditionally used in this work. However, the use of computer based instruments opens up the possibility of a new sound world and also new and adaptable ways in which clients can interact with their musical environment. Although original1 8 designed for experienced musicians, the Midi rid system and associated transducers described below provide one approach to the use of such computer music systems in therapy. THE USES OF TRANSDUCERS WITH THE MIDIGRID SYSTEM The MIDIGRID system is a computer program developed by MTG to control electronic synthesizers over the ubiquitous MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard’. MIDI is a serial interface which allows synthesizers, keyboards and other musical controllers from different manufacturers to be con- nected together. MIDIGIUD allows the performer (or therapist) to arrange individual notes, chords or sequences of Med. Eng. Phys. 1994, Vol. 16, May 253