The Sensory Music Experience Vol. 2

My students have all used the project management and engineering design processes in order to create a sensory music experience for people with disabilities or disorders. Some of them are working with people who having hearing impairments, but most of them chose to serve people and possibly other students who suffer from anxiety or depression.

Students are creating sensory music experiences by programming Adafruit Neopixel lights, vibration motors, and other devices in order to make visual and/or vibration sensations for their users.

For the groups who chose to work with disorders, the devices will be used as sensory music therapy devices based on research that the students conducted. Some project ideas include: LED music visualizers to soothing or upbeat music; massage therapy devices to upbeat or calming music; a lavender scented bubble machine; and massaging gloves and socks. Due to the range of student-led projects we will be using wearable materials such as gloves, socks, and sweatbands as well as aromatic items such as aromatherapy. In addition, students will be using light, sound, and touch sensors for their projects.

Hurricane Harvey was traumatic for many of my students and these resources can help students who are still recovering from Hurricane Harvey by helping them to focus on others and to focus on treating some of the disorders that are associated with natural disasters. The project itself has helped students by talking about trauma and depression which many of my students have after experiencing the destruction that Harvey caused.