Digit Music

Using video-gaming hardware to make playing an instrument more accessible

Digit Music was set up to drive diversity and inclusion in the music and wider creative industries. With the help of the Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation Award, Digit Music aims to increase access to the transformative power of music making and instrument playing.

Its flagship product, Cmpsr (pronounced Composer), is a MIDI controller built with user-friendly, video-gaming hardware that makes playing an instrument accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Its innovative design, including a gaming joystick and tactile buttons, means that anyone can play the right chords and notes with a single finger stroke.

A software version is currently in development to create a fully-integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, content and services.

Co-founder Owain Wilson has a background in music, technology and education in the field of electronic music. Once the software version is developed, he hopes that Cmpsr will allow a wider, more diverse audience to make and enjoy music.

“We’re pleased and excited that our innovation and business model has been recognised. Our long-term ambition is to drive diversity and inclusion across the music-making landscape and benefit wider society,” he says.