We had a lot going on at Music China, but one of the most popular areas was the Music Accessibility demo.
The Filisia Cosmos dots, an AFK Audio Drum Beam, a ThisIsNoise MIDI Blaster and an Arcana Strum were all connected to the Connect Through MIDI software created by Ableton Drummer’s Tobi Hunke to showcase how easy it is for anyone to to Connect Through MIDI and play music without making any mistakes.
In the following Youtube video, Haim Kary from Arcana and Tobi explain the setup and do a demo. We also see some of the hundreds of people who came by the booth to check out and play the accessible music installation.
Cosmos by Filisia
Cosmos Cosmo re-imagines inclusive learning, therapy and play for people with additional learning needs.
DrumBeam by AFK Audio
drumbeam is a compact midi-controller that features a wide position and force sensitive interface. you can create various drum zone arrangements and save your changes in individual presets.
ThisIsNoise MIDI Blaster
MIDI BLASTER is a one of a kind MIDI controller that allows the performer to shape their sound like never before. Harness the power of infrared and control up to 4 effects at once with a single hand.
Arcana Strum
Arcana Strum empowers anyone to play guitar.
The Arcana Strum instrument is extremely easy to just pick up and play.
Providing an uplifting experience suitable and accessible for practically everyone.
A musical guideline handbook is provided with the product
Theory and song book Downloads
Arcana Online Music School
Connect Through MIDI
CT MIDI allows different performers to influence each other in real time.
Two examples:
MIDI Chord pitch interaction in real time
One person plays a chord on their keyboard.
Another uses that chord pitch info to trigger a bassline or melody via MIDI drum pad
Route MIDI messages to control each other parameters
Using a joystick or a simple device to control a reverb of another players synth
These interactions aren’t just synced — they’re responsive.
Each input can be used creatively to shape someone else’s sound and use the MIDI pitch played by others in real-time having a musical conversation.
Connect Through MIDI with Simple Tools
You don’t need complex and expensive gear. That’s one of the key innovations.
A person using just a joystick, a single-button pad, or an adaptive controller can:
Trigger harmonies + melodies
Control effects and shape sounds
Launch rhythmic patterns
Control pitch or dynamics
This makes CTMIDI especially powerful for people with limited mobility, (inclusive) music education BUT as well for professional musicians exploring new concepts on creating new ways to interact musically.
CTMIDI Software and MIDI 2.0 Support
The CTMIDI software prototype in written in MAX. For the release it is planned as a standalone or Max runtime version (Mac+Win). so users won’t need (necessarily) purchase any additional software.
Connect Through MIDI is also forward-thinking. It will support MIDI 2.0 features (implementing in progress), including MIDI-CI and Property Exchange. This means the plan is:
Detect what parameters are available on connected MIDI 2.0 gear
Show readable names e.g. “Cutoff,” “Resonance,” or “Attack Time”
Map those parameters to controllers with a single click
This brings a new level of accessibility and clarity for setting up real-time control.
MIDI connects instruments and music software.
Connect Through MIDI connects people.
RELEASE TIMELINE + WHEN WILL CTMIDI BE AVAILABLE?
The current prototype will be an entry for the MIDI Innovation Award 2025. Before making plans on release the options on funding + financing need to be developed and evaluated. You can always get in contact directly if you have any ideas for financing/funding or sign up to my email newsletter to stay updated on its development.
