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© 2016 University of Kansas (Marketing Communications/Meg Cumin)

What is the Adaptive Use Musical Instrument (AUMI)?

The AUMI software interface enables the user to play sounds and musical phrases through movement and gestures. This is an entry to improvisation that enables exploration of sounds ranging from pitches to noises rather than learning set pieces. This open approach to music enables anyone to explore and express a range of affects, both by themselves and in response to, or in conversation with, others. While the AUMI interface can be used by anyone, the focus has been on working with children who have profound physical disabilities. In taking these participants as its starting point the project attempts to make musical improvisation and collaboration accessible to the widest possible range of individuals. This approach also opens up the possibility of learning more about the relations between ability, the body, creativity and improvisation, from within a cultural context that does not always acknowledge or accept people with disabilities.

The AUMI project continues to be revised and improved with input from the technologists, students, therapists and feedback from registered users. An on-site training program is also available. The AUMI software is available for Windows, Mac OS, and iOS; the latest versions can be downloaded from our downloads page or in the iTunes Store.