Development of an Ultra-sensitive Drumhead together with interactive Learning Apps for Electronic Drums.

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Keda is a UK-based music-technology SME with a core project team of Kuljit Bhamra MBE (musician, composer and teacher), Graham England (industrial designer), Philip Eddershaw (product engineer), Dr Duncan Menzies (electronics engineer/musician) and Hazel Correa (user research and social impact officer).Indian drums are bulky, require regular maintenance and must be tuned by a specialist before every performance (losing pitch with humidity/temperature changes). They do not have light-weight electronic versions, so silent-headphone practising and MIDI-computer connectivity are non-existent. This restrains ability to learn and connect with the Indian heritage, especially because traditional learning involves memorising and chanting rhythms in Indian languages. Indian drumming is also perceived to be 'too complicated' requiring years of face to face tutoring from a guru. British Indians are disproportionately affected because many of them only speak English and lack the language skills required to learn Indian percussion, an integral part of their culture.To solve this issue, Keda is developing an ultra-sensitive electronic drumhead that responds to complex playing techniques, together with a learning system based around interactive computer applications. Keda's technology enables nuanced combined hand-stick techniques to be recognised on a new range of electronic Indian drums.A universal Indian drum notation underpins Keda's learning apps, overcoming language barriers and allowing users to learn remotely, practise silently and assess their skills - as with western instruments.Keda's products have the potential to transform the way music is created and performed. Not only are their drums lighter than the acoustic version, durable (without animal skin) and easy to tune, but they also has computer connectivity, allowing for score generation and sound triggering. People who cannot access a guru can now study at home, assess their progress and share compositions. Without this project, India's drumming and the rich heritage of its music and sounds could disappear.