The Cadenza

The Cadenza

Kelley Surette

Industrial Design, 2014

Adaptive music is the practice of adapting existing musical instruments and methods to fit the capabilities of students with physical disabilities. Currently, this field is extremely small, and access to proper equipment is limited. Many musicians with upper limb differences (arms, hands and/or fingers are either missing or "underdeveloped") have figured out how to play guitars, cellos, pianos, and more. However, woodwind and brass instruments remain untouched. There needs to be an adaptive equipment system that allows students to retain physical interaction with woodwind and brass instruments, while allowing them to fully express themselves musically.

Enter the Cadenza system. It allows adaptive music students to choose from a wider variety of instruments, giving them options past what society deems possible. The Cadenza system is a three step process that emphasizes adaptability and comfort. Shown here is the Full Stride device, made for the independent musician. It allows for more advanced playstyles and focuses on professionalism, on a personal and social level. This particular model was designed for adaptive trumpet players.

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Kelley Surette

Kelley Surette is an Industrial Design student who loves to use her knowledge and skills in design to make a positive impact on the world. Outside the realm of products, she is interested in the fields of service design, user experience, and design for social change. Wherever her post-graduate journey takes her, she hopes that she gets the chance to use design in new and innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of others.