Dear KVR Audio Forum Topic Readers,
On July 17th, 2025, we had a MASSIG meeting which focused on discussing the integration of accessibility into various musical events and platforms, particularly the MIDI Innovation Awards. Participants also explored opportunities for collaboration with other organizations and events like NAM and CSUN to promote accessible music technology.
Participants:
Juho Tuomainen, WG Chair
On July 17th, 2025, we had a MASSIG meeting which focused on discussing the integration of accessibility into various musical events and platforms, particularly the MIDI Innovation Awards. Participants also explored opportunities for collaboration with other organizations and events like NAM and CSUN to promote accessible music technology.
Participants:
- Juho Tuomainen, WG Chair and UEF Computer Science Master's Studdent
- Athan Billias, The MIDI Association Executive Board Member
- Tim Yates from Drake Music
- Haim Kairy, WG Acting Chair from Arcana Instruments
- Jay Pocknell, the Music Support Officer from the Media, Culture and Immersive Technologies Team of RNIB
- Updates on the MIDI Innovation Awards
- Planning for Music China and other international events
- Discussion on accessibility in music technology
- Collaboration with NAM and CSUN
- MIDI Innovation Awards: The event will feature Andrew Huang as the host. The awards have received 121 entries, doubling from the previous year. Discussions included the potential of adding a voting category for accessibility in future awards.
- Music China: Plans for a panel on accessibility were discussed, with a potential presentation at the Kakahashi Foundation in Tokyo.
- CSUN Conference: The possibility of showcasing accessible musical instruments was considered. The idea of reaching out to NAM for collaboration and financial support was explored.
- Future Events: The participants discussed the idea of having “tentpole” events like Music China, NAM, and CSUN to create a cohesive program with a focus on accessibility.
- Collaboration and Funding: Strategies for securing funding through matching funds from organizations like NAM and sponsors were considered to support initiatives focused on accessibility.
- The group decided to pursue NAM for potential funding and collaboration for showcasing at CSUN.
- Participants agreed on the importance of integrating music performances into these events to demonstrate accessibility in action.
Juho Tuomainen, WG Chair
Statistics: Posted by BlindMusician — Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:49 am