Skoog's out!

Posted: 24 June 2010

The Skoog will enable all children to make their own music

Children who cannot use traditional instruments may soon be making music of their own with an easy-to-use invention developed at the University of Edinburgh.

The Skoog – a colourful, squeezy cube that is sensitive to the slightest touch, yet robust enough to resist strong handling – allows children who are severely disabled to play music in an expressive way.

Technology within the instrument’s soft, tactile surface is linked to a computer, which converts the way the Skoog is touched into the sound of different instruments, such as flute, trumpet or marimba. As a result, users can play a variety of sounds on the Skoog and alter pitch, timbre and volume with a very small range of movement.

_{Image credit: Sandy Young Photography}

Researchers Dr Benjaman Schögler and Dr David Skulina developed the Skoog as part of a project, led by Professor Nigel Osborne, to make music more accessible. They hope that children using the instrument will improve their communication and concentration skills.

 Dr Schögler said: “Making music can be a huge help in a child’s development through boosting learning and creativity, but many children are unable to use conventional instruments. The Skoog can be used by anyone, of any age or ability, to make music.” 

The Skoog has been commercially available from March 2010 and has received widespread interest from the education community.

Initial research was supported by the Tapestry Partnership, which attracted funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts and managed the project until a prototype Skoog was completed. The project came to fruition largely through research - led by Professor Nigel Osborne - in schools in East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, Fife and North Lanarkshire.

For more info on the Skoog check out the Skoog Music website

_{Top image credit: Skoogmusic Ltd.}

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