The possibility of a musical curriculum that adapts
Hi! I’m Eli Trentalange, an education consultant and curriculum developer for the Resonance Bench. Having specialized in neurodivergent music education, this project has been near and dear to my heart due to the barriers these students face accessing traditional music education. We are happy to report that students LOVED it!
The lesson was framed from the perspective of Evelyn Glennie, an orchestral musician who has progressively gone deaf throughout her life. In order to continue to play, she goes barefoot on stage to feel the vibrations of the music. This story was presented to the kids the week earlier, much thanks to my co-teacher Joli Reynolds (also staff at Tactone!).
This story was an excellent through line to the Resonance Bench because it is much more accessible to children with multiple disabilities (e.g. those who might not have the physical capability to stand) to feel the music in the same way that Evelyn Glennie would feel it.
The children immediately took to it very well, and played to the beat the way that she would have. This was achieved by holding bone conduction speakers up to the wooden bench which immediately resonated through the whole structure, allowing students to immerse themselves in the music in ways they may have not experienced before. Furthermore, this allowed the students to control the experience for themselves, and remove themselves if they get overstimulated.
Overall, this was an amazing experience to watch and we look forward to many more trials in the future!
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