FAME Framework

Introduction

The Facilitating Access to Musical Experiences (FAME) framework addresses the accessibility requirements of digital musical instruments (DMIs) in the context of inclusive music practice and facilitated performance. The documents within it aim to help DMI creators better understand the needs of disabled performers and facilitators. Including ways in which to incorporate accessibility into product design and evaluate existing products against accessibility guidelines. Additionally, the framework outlines the general best practices for accessibility in inclusive music making.

Included in the framework are the following documents:

• Reviewing DMIs using the FAME framework
• A guide to facilitated performance
• A list of facilitator personas
• A log sheet designed to allow facilitators and disabled performers to capture additional data for music making sessions (such as specific DMI settings).

The approach taken by this framework is not to provide a way to ‘score’ the accessibility of a DMI. After all, there is no one size fits all approach to accessibility. Therefore, an accessibility ‘score’ cannot respect the unique experiences of disabled people. Instead, the goal of this framework is to provide a way to help DMI creators understand the current accessibility barriers that a DMI presents and reflect upon these.

It is also important to acknowledge that accessibility is not a one time fix. This framework should be used repeatedly throughout the production lifecycle of DMIs.

Who is this framework for?

The following groups of people may find this framework useful:

• Digital Musical Instrument Creators - This includes all people who may be involved in the process of creating digital musical instruments. For example developers, designers, product managers, and manufacturers.

• Accessible Music Making Communities - Including facilitators, teachers, independent musicians, program managers, and people who purchase DMIs for community programs.

• Researchers - any person conducting research in the following areas: digital musical instruments, accessible or inclusive music making, accessible technologies, and accessibility standards.

Important Terminology

• Digital Musical Instrument - A Digital Musical Instrument (DMI) is a device that produces sound using digital technology. They can come in many forms, including some that mimic the look and feel of traditional acoustic instruments.

• Accessible or Inclusive Music - These two terms are used interchangeably. The terms refer to music activities that are inclusive of disabled performers or specifically aimed at engaging groups of disabled musicians.

• Facilitated Performance - Facilitated Performance is a term used to describe the practice in which a musician or performer is supported by another person (a facilitator). Facilitators can offer musical, technical, or physical support for a person depending on their needs.

Core Qualities

To understand a DMIs level of accessibility, this framework examines five core qualities of digital musical instruments:

Guidelines

These guidelines offer ways to improve accessibility of an instrument based on each of the five qualities.

1. Durability: A DMI should be able to withstand the physical demands of practising and performing.
   1. Provide alternatives to physical connections.
   2. Safeguard against accidental damage.
   3. Provide stable operation for long periods of time.
2. Flexibility: A DMI should accommodate many musical and playing styles.
   1. Offer more than one way of interacting with the DMI.
   2. Allow the musician to alter the interaction settings.
   3. Provide the ability to adapt the musician’s interface.
3. Practicality: A DMI should be easy to introduce to a musician’s setup.
   1. Aim for ‘plug in and play’
   2. Provide any specialist adaptors that may be required
   3. Enable the ability to recall settings or musician profiles
4. Complexity: A DMI should be simple enough for all levels of musicians to understand.
   1. Provide options to minimise the detail of an interface
   2. Ensure the interface can be understood in many contexts
   3. Provide clear feedback in response to actions
5. Compatibility: A DMI should be compatible with a musician’s setup, including hardware, software, and assistive technologies.
   1. Expose the interface to assistive technologies
   2. Offer multiple ways to mount the instrument
   3. Allow open communication with the instrument

Reviewing DMIs using the FAME framework

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