Interactive instrument uses music for child therapy and learning

The Musicon's inventor says its rotating drum resembles a giant music box and can be programmed by children to play any melody, while at the same time inspiring them to develop a number of skills other than their musical sense.(photo grabbed from Reuters video)
The rotating drum (from Reuters video)

WARSAW, Poland (Reuters) — The Musicon’s inventor says its rotating drum resembles a giant music box and can be programmed by children to play any melody, while at the same time inspiring them to develop a number of skills other than their musical sense.

“Children seek to compose their melody and are not aware that they are learning mathematics, counting, that they have to cooperate with the partner they are playing with,” said its inventor Kamil Laszuk.

The speed at which the barrel rotates can be easily set, anywhere between a slow lullaby and 144 beats per minute, with 720 light-touch buttons controlling when three instruments on top of the machine are played.

The instruments are held on by magnets and can be moved or replaced with different sounds at any time.

Two independent mechanical and electronic clutch systems ensure safety, along with a Stepper motor and an optical sensor to control the rotation.

Laszuk said they have now developed a complete education program around the instrument.

“We constantly work together with different therapists, specialists, experts on different fields on the Musicon and it is very interesting that we see a ‘Musicon method’ emerging, which is an entire system how to educate children with the help of music,” he said.

The company is now fundraising, aiming to get the Musicon into full production before the end of the year.