Arcana Accessible Music Program
Every person can experience music, and now, more can create something to share with the world.
The Arcana instrument is an Israeli invention designed with people who have physical disabilities in mind. It is a touch-based electronic music controller that allows expressive musical interaction without requiring traditional fine motor skills needed for instruments like piano or guitar.
The Arcana program enables youth and young adults with complex physical disabilities to create and share music using an adapted Arcana instrument with assistive technology that allows participation even without limb use. It aims to promote independence, active living, and emotional well-being. It also supports motor skill development and uses public performances by Arcana ensembles to raise awareness in the wider community about the abilities of people with disabilities.
Perhaps though the most important aspect of the program is the fact it lets people who otherwise could not, create music. Anything from classic to rock, blues to dance, and the sky is the limit. Nothing can compare to the joy the player experiences the first time they touch the instrument. The gratitude of having something made for them, the happiness when making the first sounds, the excitement of the first tune they create. They may have disabilities but this instrument opens doors that would otherwise be closed, and lets them explore that which they never could.