Affordable, Adaptive Music: Microbit Coding

The Project

Music is an important part of life. It helps with self-control, planning, and communication. Music improves motor skills and abilities and can be used in therapy. Music teaches rhythm, rhyme, sound, and pitch and helps people express and enjoy themselves. The purpose of this project is so elderly, disabled, and special needs people can enjoy playing music also. The invention is more cost effective than solutions available right now because it’s made with low-cost items, plus it can be used by people with motor disabilities. Currently there are limited adaptive options of musical instruments, and the options available on the internet do not seem to be affordable. First, the requirements were defined, a prototype was drawn, and the instrument was created using low-cost items. Then the Microbit was coded to play musical notes and attached. Next, the Microbit was connected to the buttons using alligator clips and finally self-tested. The problem was solved by making an instrument, with no strings or keys, so it is easier for the user to play. Instead, it has large, color-coded buttons that can be played with other body parts such as feet or elbows, or a drumstick in the user’s mouth. The instrument is made of cardboard, so it is affordable, lightweight, and easily held with the strap. It can also be played by just laying it on a table if needed. The musical instrument provides an affordable, adaptive option for elderly, disabled, or special needs people.

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Team Comments

I chose to make this project because I have done a coding project before and wanted to do one again. So, I developed a practical use for the coding idea. I came up with the solution to make an affordable, adaptive musical instrument for Special Needs, Disabled, and Elderly People.

One thing that I found difficult was trying to get all the alligator clips that are attached to the instrument to be organized and not messy. I solved this problem by putting the excess cord in the inside of the plastic container that the instrument is made from.

I would make it look like a real instrument such as a guitar or keyboard. I also would try to figure out how to code more notes on the Microbit so the user can play a whole octave and more songs. I would also like to try more unique and more difficult types of coding.