Our tools

Soundbeam has become a familiar and popular piece of equipment in special schools, both for its ability to create positive opportunities for students to truly develop a sense of control and enjoyment, and for its simplicity of operation. The smallest movement of any player creates sound, providing a feedback from which the player can learn by exploration. As well as providing access to musical creativity, Soundbeam can help the individual to develop a sense of control that has an impact beyond the sphere of music.

The sense of creating sound and exploring that sound through movement, both alone and alongside others, can be a stimulating and motivating experience, impacting on the well-being of each student. Once understood, it is possible for students to develop their exploration of Soundbeam independently and as a shared experience.

Song writing training - Soundabout has developed a highly focused Song writing training package which will enable staff to work with students of all abilities to create and record songs. The training teaches staff to use simple musical techniques to facilitate the creation of songs from the students’ own input, as well as helping them develop their recording skills. The ideas and inspiration come entirely from the sounds created by the students, while the facilitator provides the stimulation and simple musical input to turn their ideas into songs. You don't need to be an accomplished musician to lead these sessions!

Musical instruments training - Often, special schools have an excellent array of musical instruments, but are unable to utilise them fully. This training looks at the way in which musical instruments or sound makers may be used to interest and motivate students to become actively involved in producing and exploring sound together. These shared focus interactions can build relationships, personal well-being and social skills. Sound becomes the vehicle for creative play, in keeping with Soundabout’s core beliefs.

Making stories is an exciting way of extending Soundabout’s simple musical ideas to create narratives. Children learn how to be co-creators and how to listen and be an audience. The work develops memory, listening, learning and comprehension. The stories may originate from the students’ own input, using their experience or imagination, or can be based around familiar stories and books.