OptiMusic for Children with Special Needs

OptiMusic training uses a unique audio-visual system to utilize a combination of lights and sound to train children with special needs to explore and interact with the environment. The training encourages children to create music and sound effects by sweeping a bat across the light beams. It is an enjoyable way for children with behavior challenges and learning difficulties to engage with their surroundings. It can be used to teach concepts, cause and effect, communication, social skills, teamwork, fine-gross motor skills (particularly hand-eye coordination), musical timing and rhythm, audio-visual memory, and aural sequencing. It is very flexible and can be tailored to the needs and different levels of children with special needs. OptiMusic training for children with special needs uses a variety of music, sounds and images to create a powerful, multi-sensory and learning environment for these children. In this article, we would like to share our experiences and learnings gained throughout the development of the OptiMusic programme for children with special needs. There is an introduction to the system; structure and curriculum; and creative ideas and activities in the programme.