The Soundhouse Special Access Kit™ (otherwise known as the SAK) is a unique system designed to enable people with disabilities and impairments access the wonderful world of music creation and performance.  The kit consists of specialised software and a “Banana Keyboard”. The SoundHouse Music Alliance™ is proud to announce the release of the SAK version 2.04 software.  This has been developed by Peter Sych in response to the many requests from SAK users who could see further potential in the many settings in which it is being used.

The Banana Keyboard, itself

• has 16 keys configured like an oversized piano
• has eight extra inputs for any type of adaptive switching such as mercury or “jelly bean” switches to be plugged in to allow full user access.
• can be placed on a wheel chair and bench
• is capacitance triggered for maximum sensitivity and ease of operation.

The SAK is used by a range of clients in schools, hospitals and aged care settings and supports the work of teachers, carers, music and arts therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

First developed in 1992, the Special Access Kit™ is now being used across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Ireland and the United States of America.  In response to requests from users and clients around the world, the SAK Version 2 software has just been developed which has many new features and functions.

Primarily, the SAK software was designed with the intention of being a simple way to construct music activities and experiences that use sounds in some way.  Because of the wide variety of sounds, including everyday and environmental sounds, as well as the facility to record voice, the SAK software can also be used to enhance activities which involve drama and language.  In school settings, it can be easily applied to enhance the whole school curriculum.  In short, the application of the Special Access Kit™ is only limited by one’s drive, imagination and ingenuity which results in enhanced communication and experience in the performing arts for all.

By arranging combinations of any sounds, which may be MIDI sounds or wave files, a vast array of musical activities and sounds can be created. 

• Through the CD function, one can also program CD tracks to play simultaneously. 
• Compositions from programs such as Super Duper Music Looper ™ and Acid Music ™can be saved as wave files and simply programmed into one of the keys or adaptive switches.
• The recording feature enables real-life performances to be saved and voice and CD segments to be recorded. 
• Arrangements can be printed off and formatted.
• A variety of global settings so that you do not have to individually program each key or switch eg instrument setting, volume ( velocity setting), global transposition of keys

The SAK is user friendly and teachers, therapists and carers can quickly familiarise themselves with its features and operation to assist their clients. It is used with diverse client groups in disability settings, hospitals and aged care.

• Users need only to lightly touch the surface of the keyboard, or one of the switches, to activate any music, sounds or speech which have been programmed into each key of the Banana Keyboard.
• Each of the keys and switches can be programmed simply and quickly to a MIDI file, wave file or CD command.
• There is a comprehensive manual which provides users with a step by step instructions as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
• Support, curriculum ideas and prearranged compositions can also be accessed at www.theartscentre.net.au/discover_special-access-kit.aspx.  Through this site SAK users have the opportunity to become part of a ListServe and communicate with other SAK Users around the world.