DM labs

22nd October 2024, 6-8pm

SODA, Room 101

Drake Music and SODA are excited to launch an exciting new partnership via DM Lab North West – Drake Music’s community project for Disabled and non-disabled musicians, technologists, and makers to exchange practices and explore new accessible instruments, now hosted by Manchester Met and resident in SODA.

Each session is community-driven, featuring a workshop led by Drake Music Technologists on topics like Touch OSC, Max MSP, or Laser Cutting, tailored to participants’ interests. A tech clinic offers support for technology-related issues, while presentations showcase work, adapted instruments, or access challenges faced by Disabled musicians. Participants also have time for discussion, sharing, and hands-on exploration of equipment or presentations. Additionally, attendees can test instruments from Drake Music’s Accessible Musical Instrument Collection.

Drake Music is a national charity working to remove disabling barriers to participation in music via innovative use of existing and bespoke technologies. Our DMLab North West community comes together monthly to share ideas, challenges, successes, and musical instruments or technology they have adapted, or think could be adapted to make music accessible.

This partnership brings valuable benefits to SODA by providing insight from industry professionals, networking opportunities, and advancing technical expertise. This supports SODA’s mission to advance digital technology through practical applications and innovations in accessible digital practice.

Are you a Disabled musician who would like help to address your access requirements and make music accessible to you?

Are you a practitioner who wants to explore how technology can make your practice more accessible to Disabled musicians?

Are you a musician who wants to find out more about technology and accessible music Practice?

Do you have a music or accessibility-based project you’d like to present to the community?

If you can’t make it, don’t worry…DM Labs will also be taking place on: 19th November 2024 / 10th December 2024 / 28th January 2025 / 18th February 2025 / 18th March 2025