20 November 2025
Shropshire Music Service donates Soundbeam class kit to Severndale Specialist Academy
Shropshire Music Service has donated a Soundbeam class kit to Severndale Specialist Academy in Shrewsbury, giving young people with physical differences the chance to create music through movement.
The gift marks a significant step in improving musical access for pupils with additional needs and reflects the strong commitment to inclusion across Shropshire.
The Soundbeam system is an innovative tool that turns body movement into musical sound. Using motion sensors and wireless switches, it detects gestures and transforms them into notes, rhythms and textures. It allows pupils who may find traditional instruments difficult to use to explore music in a completely new way, offering independence, creativity and joy.
Sophie Canning, My Creativity Curriculum Lead at Severndale Specialist Academy, said: “Thank you for generously providing Severndale Specialist Academy access to a Sound Beam Group Kit.
It has truly created magical musical moments for our students, especially those with physical and mobility needs. The barriers to creating sound have disappeared with the use of this fantastic equipment.
The Sound beam has opened a doorway to creativity, giving our students the freedom to make music with more independence and in ways that feel joyful, empowering and entirely their own.
We have seen pupils light up with excitement, bringing a sense of wonder into our classroom and connecting with others through shared sounds and rhythms. We will continue to use the Sound Beam across school in other SEND pathways to build curiosity and an eagerness for learning. We are deeply grateful for the difference this equipment has made to our school community.”
Councillor Neil Bentley, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, added: “As a former school music teacher, I know the power that music has on the lives and learning of our young people.
It was a pleasure to witness the excitement of the students at Severndale Academy as they were presented with a brand new Soundbeam Kit donated by Shropshire Music Service. These instruments will allow all students to create music regardless of their ability and I cannot wait to return for a performance.”
Dr Sarah Browne, Head of Service at Shropshire Music Service, commented: “We believe music should be for everyone. The Soundbeam kit allows pupils at Severndale to explore sound in new ways and express themselves through movement.
We are proud to support this important step towards musical inclusion in Shropshire.”
Shropshire Music Service will install the Soundbeam class kit at Severndale in the coming weeks, along with staff training to ensure pupils can begin exploring sound in this new and inspiring way.
The donation strengthens the wider ambition to ensure that every child in Shropshire has meaningful access to music, regardless of physical or learning barriers.
