Every musician's journey is a process, from hearing music that inspires them to choosing an instrument and developing the musical skills to express themselves. For some, it's the sound of a violin or guitar, or the expressive qualities of the piano. But what if none of these instruments quite fit? Traditional instruments require specific physical techniques, such as holding a bow, pressing strings, and stretching fingers across keys, all of which can present a barrier for young musicians, including those with disabilities.
Developed by Open Up Music, the Clarion offers new and inclusive ways of making music and performing. Led by Barry Farrimond-Chuong MBE, Open Up also runs Open Orchestras, a programme giving young disabled musicians the opportunity to play in ensembles. The instrument grew out of Listening Aloud, a project that explored how existing technology, like gaming controllers and motion sensors, could help create an inclusive instrument. The goal was to make it expressive and easy to use, even for those with no prior experience in music or music technology. Over the last decade, it has evolved through co-design with disabled musicians, ensuring it meets real musical needs rather than imposing limitations.
Versatility
Clarion is available as an app for iPads and Windows devices, but it's best described as a software-based musical instrument. It can be played using hands, head movements, eye-gaze technology, or through assistive controllers such as joysticks, trackpads and gyroscopic devices, allowing musicians to control it with almost any part of the body. This flexibility ensures it's accessible to a wide range of players.
When you first open Clarion, you see a simple display of colourful shapes, each representing a musical note. The shapes can be tapped, pressed, or played using assistive devices to produce sound. They can be moved, resized, and customised to suit individual needs. Beginners can start with a single shape representing a single note, while advanced players can create complex arrangements. Clarion's colour system aligns with instruments such as Boomwhackers, and players can choose the Figurenotes system or customise their own. Standard note names, including sharps and flats, can be shown or hidden as needed.
Sharon Thomas, a music tutor at Edsential CIC and Cheshire and Wirral Music Hub, highlights Clarion's benefits for students with additional needs: ‘The standardised colours mean that the Clarion can be easily integrated into a mixed ensemble. Students find it easy to use, and the pre-set patterns can be adapted to their needs. Some have even started creating their own patterns and composing their own music.’
An easy starting point
Clarion includes built-in instrument sounds, allowing you to start playing without any extra software. There are 13 to choose from, including strings, flute and marimba. Like an electric guitar, it must be connected to an amp or external speaker to be heard properly in ensemble settings. A collection of pre-set patterns and ready-to-play songs provides an easy starting point for beginners.
Unlike much music technology, there are no complex menus to navigate; Clarion keeps things simple. This doesn't make it any less musical. British Composer Award winner Liam Taylor-West, who has worked extensively with Clarion, highlights its value: ‘I think the Clarion is hugely useful to composers and performers as it offers a lot of versatility and scope for progression, while simultaneously being very easy to get started with.’
Controlling the sounds
Clarion allows for expressive control, and notes can be played softly, loudly, staccato, or legato, depending on how you interact with them. A quick tap produces a short, staccato note while touching a note for longer sustains the sound. Dynamics can be controlled by dragging a finger across the note.
How notes are arranged also influences how it plays; overlapping notes create chords, and notes can be arranged into patterns to create melodies. Clarion is accessible and encourages creativity, helping to level the playing field for disabled musicians.
Alessandro Vazzana performing with the Clarion Trio at the 2025 Music & Drama Education Expo – Photo credit: Open Up Music
An ensemble instrument
But an instrument alone isn't enough; musicians also need opportunities to play and perform with others.
The Open Orchestras programme provides accessible music ensemble opportunities for disabled students in special schools. Among the many young musicians it has supported is Ibrahim, who plays the Clarion using a head tracker and a small metal dot on his chin. This reflective marker allows him to control the instrument through movement. Playing in an ensemble enabled Ibrahim to develop his skills alongside his peers, responding to the musicians around him.
Jonathan Westrup (Programme Manager, Open Up Music) highlighted a moment that captured this perfectly: ‘During a live performance of Walking in the Air, Ibrahim played a note too early but instinctively pulled back and waited for the rest of the ensemble before continuing.’ This was a small but significant moment, demonstrating the same level of awareness and control expected of any instrumentalist. Clarion enabled him to take part and develop as a musician.
Mastery and rising profile
For some musicians, Clarion is a first step into music-making. For others, it is an instrument they can take to the highest level. Alessandro Vazzana is one such musician. He joined the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) – a pioneering and integrated ensemble for disabled and non-disabled musicians, performing at a professional level. Clarion became his primary instrument within the orchestra, and he has since become an accomplished musician.
Reflecting on his journey, Alessandro said: ‘It allows me to play the music I had inside me, and enjoy making music and playing with others.’ Alessandro plays Clarion using a head control mouse and, as a member of NOYO, he has performed at major venues across the UK. He now plays with the Alton Concert Orchestra and is a founding member of the Clarion Trio, a group showcasing the instrument's musical potential.
Alessandro's mother and enabler, Anne Edward, has witnessed Clarion's impact on his development as a musician. She explains: ‘In all ways, the Clarion has been transformational. It has taken Alessandro from casual participation to the opportunity to play with orchestras such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and in Royal Northern Sinfonia's RNS Moves.’ She also highlights its importance in music education: ‘It offers access to students who would otherwise be unable to play an instrument due to physical limitations.’
Anne describes how, unlike learning a traditional instrument, playing the Clarion involves arranging notes on the screen before performing. ‘Each piece looks different for the player, and each musician's layout may vary. For teachers, the key is learning how to create these patterns, a skill that becomes intuitive with practice.’
Alessandro has played a key role in raising Clarion's profile, highlighting its capabilities and value in music education. In 2023 he premiered Soaring through Sparks, a concerto for Clarion written by composer Michael Betteridge as part of the ABRSM Composer Mentoring Programme. In 2024, ABRSM formally acknowledged Clarion as the first digital instrument in its Open Music Assessment, expanding opportunities nationwide for players of all abilities. Clarion's reach has also extended to wider educational initiatives. As part of BBC Ten Pieces, Open Up Music has collaborated on Clarion arrangements for Grasswalk by Laura Shigihara and Magic by Judith Weir.
Try it for yourself
You can try Clarion for free, with access to four instrument sounds and a selection of preset patterns, including the BBC Ten Pieces. Clarion Education unlocks all 13 instrument sounds, the ability to create and manage patterns and folders, and access to additional patterns. This version also includes ‘My Cloud’, where you can save and access your music across multiple devices. ‘Clarion Open Orchestras’ adds exclusive ensemble repertoire, making it an ideal choice for inclusive ensemble programmes.
Clarion is currently available to purchase with a minimum of five licences, with individual licences coming soon. Prices range from £20 to £35 each, depending on quantity. Hub Lead Organisations purchasing through the DfE Musical Instruments, Equipment and Technology Framework can benefit from a 5% discount. Full details can be found on the Clarion website listed below, along with resources to support new players and help teachers integrate Clarion into their classrooms and ensembles.
Looking ahead, Clarion continues to evolve, with new features on the horizon. A page-turning function is in development, and more repertoire is being commissioned, expanding opportunities for performers and composers. Clarion will also feature in upcoming NOYO performances at Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff, in May 2025, and Birmingham Town Hall in June 2025. Whether as a tool for introducing young musicians to creative music-making or as an instrument for professional performance, Clarion is proving that accessibility and musical excellence can go hand in hand.
