DrumSteps is a dynamic graphical environment that enables users to compose rhythm and percussion music. Users can compose by manipulating intuitive graphical representations of musical information, without the need for note reading skills or prior musical training. This project was featured on Futurelab's Innovations at BETT 2005 stand.
Outline and overview
DrumSteps is a screen-based virtual environment, which allows the user to build sets of steps and produce percussion sounds by dropping balls down the steps. The number of horizontal steps controls the time between notes, while the height of each step controls accent/volume. Timbre is embodied in the ball and the full range of general MIDI percussion sounds are supported. Multiple ball/step
combinations allow for multipart textures. Special or unusual sounds (cymbals etc) may be placed anywhere
in the environment and triggered by a passing ball. The full range of time values are available, as are tools to enable repeats, loops, ostinatos etc. The system embodies the full range of rhythmic/percussive concepts including pulse, tempo, measure, timbre, texture, ostinato, syncopation, accent, anacrusis and so on.
The wormhole feature allows the ball to 'hyperjump' from one place to another in the score. Other features include trapdoors (allowing balls in one path to trigger events in another), a
'randomizer' icon (giving each ball multiple possible paths), and a 'ladder' icon (for subdivided note groups). Sub-menus allow the user to set the volume of each ball, set steps as accented or unaccented, and choose from a range of ladder options. Sub-groups of steps may be captured and stored in a favourites
folder for later use.
DrumSteps also supports both synchronous and asynchronous collaborative composition. Geographically remote users may log on and view the same 'working space', where actions by any user are simultaneously transmitted to all other users in the group. Alternatively, a web-based environment for asynchronous collaboration has been developed, where users may upload and download compositions, enabling other users to access, modify and resubmit pieces.
DrumSteps exists in two versions:
DrumSteps has been featured on BBC Radio 4 ('Making Tracks'), BBC Radio 5 ('The Big Toe Radio Show') and CBBC TV ('Xchange'). Over 5,000 users have submitted pieces to the BBC DrumSteps competition website.
DrumSteps has also been trialed in schools in Ireland and Scotland, and in over 70 locations in 18 countries via the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network.
Project motivations
DrumSteps represents an entirely novel approach to the teaching and learning of music. Traditional methodology assumes that novice users cannot engage in musical composition or construction without note-reading skills, prior training in musical rudiments and instrumental skills. In DrumSteps, users learn by experimentation, without the need for any prior musical training. The software engenders procedural thinking including iteration and debugging behaviours, and supports a wide variety of learning styles. Its effectiveness as a learning tool has been validated in a comprehensive set of school-based
studies. Users were consistently observed to engage in high-level musical behaviour and reflection that
would normally not be possible without note-reading skills or prior musical training.
Technology used
DrumSteps' technical innovation lies in its seamless integration of standalone synchronous and asynchronous collaborative Java networking technologies and web services. Its use of Java and MIDI technology ensures that it will run on almost any computer, without the need for expensive hardware or software add-ons.
DrumSteps was developed by Kevin Jennings, James Bligh and Conor McCarthy at the Centre for Research in
IT in Education, Department of Computer Science, Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with the
Everyday Learning Group at Media Lab Europe, Dublin.
Partners
DrumSteps' development was generously funded by the Irish Higher Education Authority.
Contacts
Kevin Jennings, Research Fellow, CRITE
kevin.jennings@cs.tcd.ie
CRITE
Department of Computer Science
Trinity College Dublin
00353 1 6083812
00353 87 6287101
Futurelab Innovations at BETT is sponsored by:
December 2004
Please note: this article is NOT covered by Futurelab's Open Access licence (see open access policy for further details).
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