We’re in London this week at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2025!
Joined by partners London Philharmonic Orchestra, Designerzen, Awesomething, MiMU and the University of the West of England, Drake Music is delighted to be recognised as one of thirteen flagship exhibitors at the Royal Society’s annual celebration of cutting-edge science.
Drake Music is proud to announce its participation in the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition, recognised for its achievements in the world of accessible music technology. The event will take place from 1 to 6 July 2025 in central London, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.
Drake Music will be showcasing its long-established accessible instrument development programme, DMLab. A community of Disabled and Non-Disabled musicians, makers, engineers and scientists, DMLab is a space to collaborate, design and build bespoke accessible instruments and music-making tools to meet specific access requirements. These instruments form part of Drake Music’s Accessible Musical Instrument Collection (AMIC) – a world-class resource for Disabled people to explore technological possibilities for making music.
Central to the exhibition is the PhotoSYNTH – a smile-powered synthesizer co-developed with Designerzen, a long-term contributor to the DMLab programme. The instrument grants players radical new musical superpowers – rather than playing an instrument, the PhotoSYNTH plays you. By tracking movements and mood in real time, this magic mirror uses mixed-reality to transform players into pop stars. PhotoSYNTH is the happiest way to make music – it puts a smile on your face whilst making it musical! Zen has also developed a bespoke education website that users can try out and get magical with from anywhere!
Drake Music will also be joined by partners the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), with whom they co-run OrchLab – an inclusive programme offering accessible orchestral music experiences to Disabled adults. Also featured are MiMU, creators of the groundbreaking MiMU Gloves – wearable, gesture-controlled music technology that has featured regularly at DMLab events over the years, inspiring new approaches to accessible performance and expression.
Quotes from key partners
Drake Music: “I am so pleased to be able to celebrate Drake Music’s long-term legacy in the field of accessible musical instrument development alongside the other exhibits. It is an honour to share the work we do, using technology to break down the barriers to Disabled people accessing music.” – Sally Currie, Chief Executive.
London Philharmonic Orchestra: “We are thrilled to join Drake Music at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, showcasing some of the new instruments we have developed together through OrchLab, our flagship music programme with Disabled adults. We believe everyone should be able to make and enjoy music and are proud to be able to share some of this work at this prestigious event.” – David Burke, Chief Executive.
Designerzen: “Having access to the knowledge and experience of Drake Music through their DMLab events for over a decade has allowed us to co-develop products that we can be confident knowing will be enjoyed by everyone.” – Zen Olenski, Director.
Awesomething: “We share the same goals and strive for the same future. Every step together has been a step forward. DMLab has guided and inspired us. Access is at the heart of everything we do.” – Zen Olenski, CEO.
MiMU: “Drake Music is doing incredible work around accessibility and music technology. Over 10 years, they have pioneered the use of our musical gloves to increase accessibility in music and break down barriers to creative expression. We are very proud to be joining them at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition with the MiMU Gloves. – Adam Stark, Head of Technology.
The exhibit will be open throughout the week and will feature presentations, interactive demos and live music-making, providing hands-on opportunities for visitors to explore the possibilities of accessible music technology. For those joining us at the weekend, there will also be the opportunity to ‘jam’ with LPO musicians!
Want to pay us a visit?
The exhibition is free and do you not need a ticket to enter! For more information, head to the Royal Society website.
Accessibility
Please note, the PhotoSYNTH displays some flashing lights and features that might not be suitable for viewers with photosensitive epilepsy. You can find out more information about accessibility at Royal Society and the venue ahead of your visit.
