Abstract:

This article summarises information about the use of computers and new technologies as part of music education or music therapy in individuals with severe physical disability. Innovations in computer hardware and software are described and their role in music composition, interpretation and improvisation activities is discussed. Furthermore, relevant research realised in the years 2000-2014 collected from several scientific databases and literature is presented.

The second part of the article describes ways of using computers and new technologies in educating and therapy of individuals with severe physical disabilities. Short analysis of technologies used in the Czech Republic is discussed, especially the use of CYMIS (Cyber Musical Instrument with Score). CYMIS is a musical instrument based on computer technology with software equipment that allows playing with minimal kinetic abilities. The use of this instrument in the Czech population is limited because of its Japanese music material content. The authors suggest an innovation of CYMIS based on pre-research among individuals with physical disabilities in the Czech Republic the methods and expected results of which are presented here.

Keywords:

Music therapy, music education, physical disability, computers and new technologies, CYMIS.