WED 22ND APR 2026, 3:00PM, STRAND BLDG S2.30  (Strand Campus)

Jacob Harrison, researcher at the charity Nordoff & Robbins, to give talk at King’s Strand campus as part of the MARC Seminar Series, refreshments courtesy of the NMES Research Culture Fund.

If you are unable to attend in person, you may use the following MS Teams link to attend the event virtually: MARC Seminar – Jacob Harrison | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

Title: Designing accessible digital musical instruments in clinical and community settings

Abstract: Digital technologies can open up opportunities to make music in many different ways. In some cases, thoughtful design of new technologies can be leveraged to address the access barriers that disabled people can face when making music. In this talk, Jacob Harrison will give an overview of Accessible Digital Musical Instrument (ADMI) design. We will focus on the design and use of the ReHarp, an accessible musical instrument designed to support music-making in neuro-rehabilitation settings. The ReHarp was originally designed in consultation with patients and staff on a stroke ward, and is now being trialled in a range of settings as part of Jacob’s role as researcher at the music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins. The talk will discuss issues relating to digital musical instrument design, accessibility, and the challenges of balancing the support of musical creativity and exploration with meeting clinical goals.

Speaker’s bio: Jacob Harrison is a researcher at the charity Nordoff & Robbins, where he carries out qualitative research on topics relating to music therapy, including the use of inclusive music technology. Prior to this, he completed a PhD at Queen Mary University of London on the topic of musical instrument design, disability and technology. He also plays bass guitar and uses a range of music technology in his work as a facilitator in inclusive recording studio sessions.