If you’ve ever heard or seen Drake Music talking about DMLab and thought “yes, but what on earth is it?” … this post is for you.
DMLab is an online and offline community of musicians and makers.
Read this primer about what exactly DMLab is and then come along and say hi!
So, what is DMLab?
Very simply, DMLab is the name for our Research & Development work. This is about inventing (and investing in) new accessible ways to make music.
DMLab is a place to experiment. To find new ways to use technology to build accessible musical instruments.
It’s somewhere for people interested in music and accessibility to meet, get to know each other and explore exciting new ways to invent, play and hack instruments and music technologies.
It is a community of Disabled and non-disabled people working together to spread the joy of music.
What does that look like?
It takes lots of different forms, because it responds to what Disabled people want and need to make music.
Broadly, it is for:
- People who want to play music but haven’t found an instrument which is accessible to them yet. Like Hannah Shelmerdine’s AirHarp: Hannah tells us more about the AirHarp in this blog post.
- More experienced musicians who want to take their music in new directions. Like John Kelly did with the Kellycaster: John tells us more about this bespoke guitar in this video.
It could also be adapting or adding to an existing instrument, piece of music technology or equipment, like the Rose Conducting Baton. This was co-created by James Rose and Luis Zayas, with input from the DM team. Read about the latest version of the Baton here.
What are the events like?
The DMLab events are inclusive, fun, relaxed and informal. They aim to be friendly and welcoming to everyone with an interest in accessible ways to make music.
The events are usually a mix of talks, performances and chances to have a go with instruments & kit.
Is there lots of tech talk?
Yes! But you don’t need to be an expert to join in!
Is there lots of music talk?
Yes! But you don’t need to be an expert to join in!
Who is it for?
Everyone is welcome.
Are you a Disabled person who has never played a note, but would love to? Come along!
Are you a technologist (Disabled or non-disabled) who likes having an interesting project to work on? Join us!
Are you interested in supporting the development of exciting new instruments and technology? Get involved!
Bring your interest and enthusiasm and find out how we can connect and do something together.
What is it OK to do?
- Ask questions
- Make proposals
- Tell us about an instrument you’d love to have, but which doesn’t exist
- See if there are ways to change your your current instrument to make it more useable
- Say “I know literally nothing about music tech!”
- Find collaborators
- Ask for help
- Offer help
- Try out innovative new technology
- Bring an instrument/hack/idea and test it out with the group
- Listen
- Chat
Still have questions?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know then please get in touch – you can email Tim (boss of DMLab) on timyates@drakemusic.org.
