DMLab North-West – 17 November

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DMLab North-West: Accessible Music-making in Manchester

 

An ongoing space for Disabled and Non-Disabled musicians & technologists to explore accessible music-making. All experience levels welcome!

We are back at SODA for another session of tinkering, collaboration, and hands-on prototyping!

A hand playing an accessible instrument, which is made of a light-coloured wood, golden buttons and black cables. The instrument is lying on a table with a black table cloth, and is next to an iPad.
Caption: An accessible instrument in use at a previous DMLab session.

 

Event details:

  • 6pm to 8:30pm
  • Tuesday 17 November
  • SODA (School of Digital Arts), Manchester Metropolitan University, 14 Higher Chatham Street, Manchester, M15 6ED

Register now on Eventbrite, or simply drop in on the night!

What to expect

At this months’ session we will be continuing to develop our ideas for a MIDI instrument in groups using paper prototyping, and maybe a bit of code.

We will also talk about “vibe coding” and how it fits into accessible tech.

The new M-Vave FM1 synth has seen around 150 new custom firmwares developed in the past month with the help of AI to reverse engineer and customise the synth to the individual user’s specifications.

This is being touted as a new paradigm in music tech where manufacturers provide hardware, and users decide how it’s used. This could be huge for Disabled users who need a customised interface that meets their requirements.

However, it brings with it huge ethical questions about the use of AI in creative industries…

As always we encourage anyone to bring along something to show and tell!

Who is it for?

These sessions are open to any level of experience, musicians and non-musicians, Disabled and Non-Disabled people–come down and say hello!

We’d especially love Disabled musicians (and wannabe musicians) to join us and bring the barriers they’d like help tackling.

First time at DMLab North-West?

No problem! New members are always welcome. Please drop us an email at dmlabnw@drakemusic.org to register.

What’s provided?

We will provide Arduinos, ESP32s, sensors, wires, and as usual, plenty of biscuits. You are welcome to bring a laptop and any other bits.

Access information:

  • SODA is accessible to wheelchair users, with accessible toilet facilities.
  • There is a Changing Places facility on the ground floor.
  • Quiet room/ space available.
  • Please email us to book parking at RCNM which is near by.

Find out more about SODA’s accessibility features on their website.

If you have any additional or specific access requirements, please contact dmlabnw@drakemusic.org.