Introducing Clarion

The world of music is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to make creation of and performance more accessible to everyone. Clarion, is a software based musical instrument designed to either be played via touch or it can be played using eye gaze technology. 

Clarion represents a significant leap forward in inclusive music technology. It empowers individuals who might otherwise be unable to play traditional instruments to express themselves musically. Clarion is an innovative digital instrument, available as a downloadable app for iPad and Windows PC. It overcomes the traditional limitations of acoustic instruments, such as shape, size, or the need to bow, pluck, or blow. Despite its digital nature, Clarion is a genuine instrument designed for live performance and holds the distinction of being the first digital instrument recognized by ABRSM, the official exam board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Musicians can customise on-screen notes, represented by different coloured shapes, to suit their preferences, including their position for ease of playing. There are 13 high-quality instrument sounds to choose from. Although you can access Clarion for free you can also sign in to membership options such as ‘Open orchestras’ which is a programme that builds ensembles in special schools. This has a My cloud feature meaning you can share Clarion patterns across your school orchestra. Clarion education is a programme that helps arts and education organisations open up music to young disabled musicians. 

Musicians can customise on-screen notes, represented by different coloured shapes, to suit their preferences, including their position for ease of playing. There are 13 high-quality instrument sounds to choose from.

Clarion is a visual instrument designed for intuitive playing by ear, even without reading notation. You can play by ear, as some scores are presented as easy-to-follow patterns. Each tune offers diverse patterns: some lay out notes in order, while others aid memorisation or inspire improvisation. Whether you follow a score or rearrange patterns to your liking, you can even compose your own tunes. 

Recently Sam, who relies on eye gaze for communication expressed a desire to join his school choir. Sam has always had a particular love for music and particularly enjoys using his eye gaze device to select and play his classmates favourite songs but is now able to create his own music. Clarion has allowed him to actively take part in choir, something he has never been able to do previously. Sam is still exploring everything he can do with Clarion but is loving the fact he can entertain his friends by playing different patterns and sounds with his eye gaze. 

He is beginning to explore creating simple melodies using Clarion just by focussing on different areas of the screen using his eye gaze. He particularly likes a ‘pentatonic jam session’! He has also explored some of the pre-built patterns that relate to tunes including ‘Amazing Grace and ‘Happy Birthday’ and is keen to continue to explore Clarion further.