Learning Resources:
Trad to Tech

This resource explores three projects in which the Inclusive Folk team share some of the ways they use technology for music making. The projects explore ways to create sounds and effects using iPads. The resource also includes three traditional pieces of music, two songs and a tune which explore a theme of night and day.

Each project has an accompanying video, a score and 2 audio tracks which demonstrate the technology and tune/song that the project covers. There is also an additional video demonstrating the using of a sampling device.

With these three pieces of music, we demonstrate how sounds created on the iPads can be combined with traditional acoustic instruments. The contrast between digital and traditional sounds may seem like ‘night and day’, but when they are brought together, music making can be more accessible, creative and engaging.

Throughout the resource we refer to devices and applications that we use in our work, and although the three main apps that we demonstrate here are only available on Apple devices, there are other many other options available on the market which provide similar results. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks mentioned in this resource (such as iPad, Bluetooth, and iRig) are property of their respective owners. Their use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Project One: Soundscape with SampleBot (Morning)

In the first project, sound effects are made and recorded to produce a soundscape that can be played on the iPad. This technique is used to create a morning themed composition. This is used as part of an arrangement with a traditional morris tune called ‘La Mouresque’.

Project Two: Microphone with effects on GarageBand (Day)

The second project uses effects in GarageBand to explore different vocal sounds. The app can be used for improvisation and to enhance vocals for the singer leading the ‘call’ line in a sea shanty, ‘One More Day’.

Project Three: ThumbJam (Night)

The third project uses the ThumbJam app to showcase a variety of different instrument samples to accompany the song called ‘Oh Watch the Stars’. This rounds off the theme of ‘Night and Day’.

The three projects are accompanied by videos showing how to use the apps and how the sounds that can be created with them can be used in context with the songs. The Inclusive Folk team have delivered workshops in a variety of different settings where there are iPads available as resources. We are often asked to share how we have used iPads in our music sessions and this resource is a response to that request. We aim to demonstrate some simple ways to start using iPads for music making.

At the end of this resource there are links and more information about using accessible music technology, including some information on buying and playing accessible instruments such as the Lancashire Music Hub Accessible Instrument Technology Library.

Tips for supporting someone to manage, hold and use an iPad

• Have a Bluetooth speaker connected to and close to the iPad being played so that the person playing can hear and feel the sounds they’re creating. Give them opportunities to hear themselves playing solo as well as in group playing. Ensure the volume on the speaker is at a comfortable level. You can use a mini clip-on speaker such as a JBL Clip and hold it on the body to feel the sound vibration.
• Support people – as appropriate - to use their own movements as much as possible when playing the iPad. This could be by supporting someone’s wrist or forearm so that they are able to activate sound with a small movement.
• You may need to hold the iPad at an easily accessible angle or place it on a surface.
• Select apps which are user friendly and can be used as independently as possible. It helps if the user interface is very visual, clear and bold.
• Explore using another part of the body to play such as the chin or the back of the hands. It may be easier to use the nose or chin with a smaller iPad screen or even an iPhone if possible.
• Offer choices for preferred sounds by playing and listening or looking at pictorial choices e.g. printed out pictures of instruments. People may show preferences such as turning towards a sound or vocalising depending on their understanding and communication style. Change the set-up of the app to individual needs as much as possible.

Guided Access and Accessibility settings on the iPad

Different types of tablets have ways of locking apps in place so that the user cannot access other apps and features while using the device. As we are focusing on Apple apps, here is some information on the iPad's Guided Access feature. Guided Access allows an iPad to be locked to a single app. You can also disable specific areas of the screen so that they cannot be activated. Guided Access is particularly useful for supporting people with limited fine motor control by allowing access only to the areas of the screen that are needed, or preventing people from leaving an app to play games, browse the internet, or access other apps (this can happen by accident or intentionally).

Setting up Guided Access:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General > Accessibility > Guided Access.
3. Turn Guided Access on.
4. Tap Passcode Settings > Set Guided Access Passcode.
5. Choose a 4-digit passcode.

Use Guided Access:

1. Open the app you want to use, such as ThumbJam.
2. Triple-click the Home button (or top button on certain iPads such as the iPad Air).
3. Circle any areas you want to disable. They will turn grey.
4. Tap Start.

Exiting Guided Access

1. Triple-click the Home button (or top button on certain iPads such as the iPad Air).
2. Enter your Guided Access passcode.
3. Choose to exit Guided Access.

Richard Hurstwood has made a useful tutorial video on how to use Guided Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eysitk8szQ

Multitasking gestures can be triggered by accident and interrupt music or other activities. It is usually best to turn them off.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then Multitasking.
3. Turn Gestures off (green → white).

Lock Rotation stops the iPad screen from changing between portrait and landscape when the iPad is moved.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Centre.
2. Tap the padlock with a circular arrow icon.