Chromatophone

OVERVIEW:
The “Chromatophone” is an adaptive instrument that aids users, specifically young
children, to associate the notes in C major scale with shapes and colors. Participants
will first see an array of colors and shapes in two rows on a board. The participant
then gets to interact with the adaptive instrument by using their touch and sight
senses to play notes within the C major scale. When the participant touches the yellow
square, they will be playing C, or “Do”. There are two yellow squares to simulate how
when playing a scale on an instrument, musicians usually start and end on the same
note, just octaves apart. Between the two yellow squares are all different colors and
shapes to give each note its own unique connection with the user. This instrument is
extremely approachable in any age group and/or learning level. The simple act of
touching the shapes while holding the ground makes it a fun and interactive way to
learn and hear how a scale works, which is a fundamental aspect of music. Along with
hearing a C Major scale, the participant can compose music with the scale. This
instrument was created by using an invention kit called the “Makey-Makey”, which
connects the technological aspects to the creative aspects of the project.

TECHNOLOGIES USED:
o Makey-Makey: To provide a non-traditional approach to interact with an
instrument that is assessable to all kinds of people.
o Laptop: Connected to the Makey-Makey to conntect power so it can facilitate
the music-making aspect of the adaptive instrument.
o Scratch: An online software that connects with the Makey-Makey to program
the specific sounds onto the Makey-Makey.
o SurveyMonkey survey: To collect feedback from participants.

PARTICIPANT LEARNING GOALS:

o To recognize what a major scale sounds like.
o To enhance musical understanding.

POST EXPERIENCE SURVEY:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLR6655