KCL Music and Acoustics Research Centre Seminars
Wednesday 22nd April 2026, 3:00PM, STRAND BLDG S2.30 (Strand Campus), King’s College London
Calendar hold for the seminar : https://calget.com/wzskxugx
Title: Designing accessible digital musical instruments in clinical and community settings
Abstract: Digital technologies can open up opportunities to make music in many different ways. In some cases, thoughtful design of new technologies can be leveraged to address the access barriers that disabled people can face when making music. In this talk, Jacob Harrison will give an overview of Accessible Digital Musical Instrument (ADMI) design. We will focus on the design and use of the ReHarp, an accessible musical instrument designed to support music-making in neuro-rehabilitation settings. The ReHarp was originally designed in consultation with patients and staff on a stroke ward, and is now being trialled in a range of settings as part of Jacob's role as researcher at the music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins. The talk will discuss issues relating to digital musical instrument design, accessibility, and the challenges of balancing the support of musical creativity and exploration with meeting clinical goals.
Jacob Harrison is a researcher at the charity Nordoff & Robbins, where he carries out qualitative research on topics relating to music therapy, including the use of inclusive music technology. Prior to this, he completed a PhD at Queen Mary University of London on the topic of musical instrument design, disability and technology. He also plays bass guitar and uses a range of music technology in his work as a facilitator in inclusive recording studio sessions.
The event will take place in Strand Building (S2.30) (Strand Campus, Strand, London WC2R 2LS) between 3:00PM-4:00PM Wednesday, 22nd April 2026.
The talk is a hybrid event and part of the MARC Seminar series.
Online attendance
If you are unable to attend in person, you may use the following MS Teams link to attend the event virtually: MARC Seminar - Jacob Harrison | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
External guests – Anyone outside of KCL, please fill out your details here to be allowed into the building 
External Guests - Harrison seminar.xlsx
When you arrive at the Strand reception say that you are here for the MARC talk to be admitted into the building. Your name must be on the External Guests to be allowed in.
Best regards,
Natalia Cotic
PhD Student | Department of Cardiovascular Imaging & Biomedical Computing
King’s College London | School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
5th Floor, Becket House, 1 Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7EU
