WHAT IS SOUNDS LIGHT SENSORY? - Hi my name is Kev Biggenden and I run Sounds Light Sensory. I provide a multi-sensory music and light show experience that uses state of the art technology and professional lighting. WHAT IS THE SOUNDBEAM? It is an amazing and unique musical instrument which uses motion sensors and switches to translate body movements into music and sound. You don’t have to wear spe
cial gloves, operate a controller, or wave a wand or bat in the air. Simply move in a way that is comfortable for you and the soundbeam will do the rest. Unlike a lot of resources which are sometimes considered suitable for individuals with special needs, Soundbeam encourages active engagement and communication, and the sensitivity of the interface makes this possible – even for individuals with significant physical or cognitive challenges. It has become the ‘must have’ resource for music therapists liberating participants from both the expressive limitations and the potential physical challenges of more traditional percussion based approaches. In special education too, teachers consistently comment on the unlocking potential of Soundbeam: the revelatory changes in behaviour, mood, engagement and capacity to learn which can be seen when people with special needs are given something they can do. Soundbeam has been extensively evaluated and documented across a wide range of disability and age from very young children at the most profound end of the disability spectrum, to adults approaching the end of life and facing the challenges of dementia and affective conditions. http://www.soundbeam.co.uk
What is the SKOOG 2.0? - The Skoog 2.0 designed to get you “hands on” with musical sounds. It’s like a squishy games controller for making music. Whatever your skills, abilities and musical talents, the Skoog’s universalising enables accessible expressive music-making for children, parents, teachers, musicians and families. http:// skoogmusic.com
Sensory light show - A dazzling array of professional lighting and atmospheric effects that enhance the sensory experience. Background
I have 30 years of experience in the field of music playing in bands as a guitar, bass and mandolin player. For the past 7 years I have been studying music recording and production using Logic Pro X software and a variety of instruments and midi equipment. My care/support experience is varied, spanning a period of over 30 years both personally and professionally. I have worked as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital, as a community mental health support worker and as a service manager for community mental health services. The past 8 years have been spent as a Day Centre Officer supporting adults with learning disabilities. I now run Sounds Light Sensory and work part time at Linn Moor school as a support worker. History & development of Sounds Light Sensory so far -
For the last 3 years I have been learning how best to use the soundbeam and the skoog with children and adults with learning disabilities. In my previous position as Day Centre Officer I regularly gave 1-1 Soundbeam and Skoog sessions to service users with more profound disabilities, the benefits of which were remarkable. One of the individuals has shown a remarkable shift change in her ability to communicate with those around her. For years she has been a significantly isolated individual. Since starting her 1-1 Skoog sessions, she is now able to concentrate for extended periods of time when using the Skoog and actively communicates with her 1-1. We can now recognise when she is laughing and enjoying an activity. These are major breakthroughs that have enhanced her quality of life and her ability to actively communicate with others. The joy that music can bring is endless. Sounds Light Sensory has provided sessions at all of the adult learning disability day services in Aberdeenshire , St Andrews, Linn Moor, Westfield,and Anna Ritchie schools, Aboyne Academy, Pamis, Crossreach, Inspire,Sensationall and the Shared Lives annual weekend Glenmore break. I also do weekly 1-1 and group sessions at individuals homes. The sessions have been extremely well received by all with repeated requests for more regular visits. Some of the benefits for the people we support –
• Confidence building and increasing self esteem
• Enhancing communication
• Relaxation
• Promoting and enhancing creativity and expression
• Fun
• Team working and relationship building
• Lower levels of challenging behaviour
• Peer support
• Quality 1-1 personalised sessions
• Fitness
• Improved co-ordination
The following feedback was given by the people we support, families/ carers and professionals from throughout Aberdeenshire who have participated in the Sounds Light Sensory experience.
*I felt like a rock star
* Kevin is very patient, Kelly really enjoyed the music and the lighting, she found it relaxing.
* Soundbeam with our music group has offered each member an opportunity to lead and orchestrate their music of choice with accompaniment from the others. Different themes have included The ‘X Factor’ and a relaxing ambient session which is magically calming. Soundbeam suits everyone.
*Just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed Kev’s Soundbeam sessions. It was very relevant to the children’s needs and they all liked having an individual song to play Soundbeam with. The disco lights were also enjoyed. It was a real boost for us staff to see how much they loved it. The pupils love music and have different tastes which the Soundbeam caters for well. Thank you so much and we hope you will be back.
*Thank you so much for sharing Soundbeam with a very enthusiastic audience. Feedback so far for your session has been very positive which usually indicates a wish for ‘MORE please” from folk.
*Ed and I really enjoyed the Soundbeam demonstration by Kev. The energy and enthusiasm of all participating was very evident as was Kev’s key role in leading the session with such commitment. Ed and I were readily convinced of the benefit of Soundbeam to the quality of life of the service users both in a 1-1 situation and in a group session
* Kev created a relaxing and non threatening environment in which to accept the children. Kev’s approach was gentle and quiet and each session was adapted to ensure each individual got the most from their experience.
* Children who might find the busy-ness and noise over stimulating were enabled to participate at their own pace and level, opting in and out as appropriate but supported to be part of the group.
* The light show was a big draw for many of the children. Children who may have been phased by the music/sound alone were drawn in by the lights and better able to engage with the whole experience
Sounds Light Sensory can help play a major part in the welfare and development of individuals throughout Aberdeenshire. For more details and booking information please email: [email protected] or alternatively telephone : 07340 185499. Check out the page: Sounds Light Sensory
