Clarion

by Open Up Music

(Image courtesy of Clarion UK)

Age range

  • 5 years +

What’s included?

It’s a downloadable app with some free features. The free trial version includes four high-quality instrument sounds:

  • flute
  • synthesiser
  • strings
  • zither

It also includes six patterns:

  • ‘Happy Birthday’ ‘Amazing Grace’
  • ‘Blow the Wind Southerly’
  • ‘First Steps’ ‘Grasswalk’ by Laura Shigihara (from the popular video game Plants vs. Zombies – featured in BBC Ten Pieces)
  • ‘Magic’ by Judith Weir (featured in BBC Ten Pieces)

What else might you need?

  • Tablet, smartphone or laptop
  • Clarion licence

Purchasing a full Clarion licence unlocks additional features, including 13 instrument sounds, extra patterns, and the ability to create and edit your own patterns and folders.
Clarion Education licences are available to purchase through organisations such as music hubs or by signing up for the Open Orchestras programme (for use in special schools only).

The creators are hoping to release a full version for individuals to buy via the App Store and Windows Store in 2026.

How to set it up:

1. Download the Clarion app – Available for iPads and Windows PCs – the app converts your device into a musical instrument.

2. Sign in – Use your Clarion Education or Open Orchestras account details to unlock

the full version of the Clarion.

3. Explore the Play screen – The screen will display coloured circles representing notes. Move your finger or mouse cursor to hear different musical notes.

4. Create and edit patterns – Choose from existing patterns or create your own to play chords and other musical structures.

For more details follow this link: Clarion-User-Manual-March-2025.pdf

Accessibility

The instrument is designed to be played using any part of the body, including the eyes, making it accessible for a wide range of musicians.

Storage requirements

It’s just an app, so there’s no additional equipment to store aside from a tablet, smartphone or laptop.

Why should you use it?

  • It doesn’t require a special instrument, just an app.
  • It can be played with any part of the body even the eyes.
  • It doesn’t require the player to read musical notation.
  • There are multiple ways for the player to arrange the shapes on the screen to suit their needs and preferences.
  • It can be played expressively by careful movements.
  • It is recognised and assessed by ABRSM.

Further support

Follow this link for more details: https://theclarion.uk/

DMS hire price

Special launch offer! – Any mix of five items from the Accessible Instrument and Technology Library free for the first term of hire (subject to availability). Outside of this special offer: £5.00 per licence per term.