Mute, disabled teen: technology enables him to make music
Published: September 27, 2005
A PIONEERING project is allowing a disabled teenager who cannot speak or walk to pursue his dream of making music.
Lachlan Mulgrew, 14, who is confined to a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, is able to play a range of instruments using cutting-edge technology at Edinburgh’s Drake Scotland music project. He uses a £2000 Soundbeam system which transforms the small movements he makes into musical notes.
Lachlan, a pupil at St David’s RC High School, Dalkeith, has had just four lessons in electric guitar, but is already getting to grips with what the technology can do.
Drake Scotland helps around 100 youngsters of all ages and disabilities across the Lothians tap into their musical talent through technology.
Director Thursa Sanderson explained that Lachlan, who communicates using computerised technology, is able to change the note the Soundbeam makes by moving closer or further away from the equipment.
The digital device can be programmed to produce sounds from a range of instruments and Lachlan enjoys using the electric guitar function.
“Our approach is we work with individuals and their tuition has got to be about their own choices,” Ms Sanderson said. “They have to be individual in the way they play. “Making music in a group is one of the things that people of all abilities really enjoy and what we are doing is giving people the opportunity to do that.”
Drake Scotland, based in Chesser Avenue, achieved a UK first two years ago when severely disabled Edinburgh teenager Rhona Smith became the first youngster with cerebral palsy to pass a tough music exam. Rhona uses her limited movements to select notes and sounds on a computer screen when composing and performing her music, in the same way scientist Stephen Hawking uses a computer to speak.
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