Shropshire Music Service donates Soundbeam class kit to Severndale Specialist Academy
Councillor Neil Bentley presents the Soundbeam kit to Severndale Specialist Academy
Shropshire Music Service – part of Shropshire Council – has donated a ‘Soundbeam’ class kit to Severndale Specialist Academy in Shrewsbury, to empower young people with physical differences to make music through movement.
The Soundbeam system is an assistive-technology tool that translates body movements into musical notes and sound — using sensor “beams” and wireless switches to detect gestures and convert them into music. It’s designed to be accessible, inclusive, and truly transformative for pupils who may find conventional musical instruments challenging to use.
One of the Severndale pupils with the Soundbeam kit gifted by Shropshire Music Service
Sophie Canning, My Creativity Curriculum Lead at Severndale Specialist Academy, said:
“Thank you for generously providing Severndale Specialist Academy access to a Soundbeam (Group Kit). It has truly created magical musical moments for our students especially those with physical and mobility needs. The barriers to creating sound have dissipated with the use of this fantastic piece of equipment!
“The Soundbeam has opened a doorway to creativity, giving our students the freedom to make music with more independence and in ways that feel joyful, empowering, and entirely their own. We’ve seen pupils light up with excitement, bringing a sense of wonder into our classroom and connect with others through shared sounds and rhythms.
“We will continue to use the SoundbBeam across school in other SEND pathways to build curiosity and an eagerness for learning. We are deeply grateful for the difference this equipment has made to our school community”
Neil Bentley, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for children and education, added:
“As a former school music teacher, I know the power that music has on the lives and learning of our young people. It was a pleasure to witness the excitement of the students at Severndale Academy as they were presented with a brand new Soundbeam Kit donated by Shropshire Music Service. These instruments will allow all students to create music regardless of their ability and I can’t wait to return for a performance.”
Dr Sarah Browne, head of service at Shropshire Music Service, said:
“We believe music should be for everyone. The Soundbeam kit allows pupils at Severndale to explore sound in new ways and express themselves through movement. We’re proud to support this important step towards musical inclusion in Shropshire.”
This donation underscores Shropshire Music Service’s commitment to extending music access to all schools and pupils, especially those with additional needs.
The Soundbeam class kit will be installed at Severndale in the coming weeks, where staff will receive training to help students begin exploring and creating music in this new, embodied way.
