MotionComposer MC 3 User manual

The MotionComposer
Handbook
3.13_en
Copyright © 2022
MotionComposer GmbH

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1WELCOME 4
1.1 WHO CAN USE THE MOTIONCOMPOSER? 4
1.2 ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK 4
1.3 SUPPORT 4
1.3.1 THE ACTIVITIES BOOK 4
1.3.2 THE ONLINE VIDEO TUTORIALS 4
1.3.3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5
1.3.4 HOTLINE –CUSTOMER SUPPORT 5
1.4 UNBOXING YOUR MOTIONCOMPOSER 5
1.5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5
1.6 GUARANTEE 6
2GETTINGS STARTED, STEP-BY-STEP 7
3THE TABLET 9
3.1 TURNING IT ON AND OFF 9
3.2 CHARGING THE TABLET 9
3.3 THE MENUS 10
4THE MAIN MENU 11
4.1 SETTINGS 12
4.1.1 SIZE OF THE ACTIVE AREA 12
4.1.2 LOAD SAVED SETTINGS 12
4.1.3 UPDATES 12
4.1.4 LANGUAGES 13
5THE MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS MENU 13
5.1 BACK TO MAIN MENU 14
5.2 PLAYER MODE AND ZONE MODE 14
5.3 1- PLAYER MODE:THE ACTIVE PLAYER 14
5.4 DIRECTIONS:HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL 14
5.5 2-PLAYER MODE 15
5.6 SWITCHING ROLES IN 2-PLAYER MODE 15
5.7 ZONES MODE:1- UND 2-ZONEN 15
5.8 MUSIC AND GESTURE CONTROLS:„SOUND WORLD“AND „MOVEMENT WORLD“16
5.9 HILFE 16
5.10 SETTINGS 16
5.11 VOLUME 16
5.12 SENSITIVITY 17
5.13 MUTE 17
5.14 SAVE CURRENT SETTINGS 17

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6THE MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS (ME’S) 18
6.1 TONALITY 18
6.1.1 SONGS 19
6.2 FIELDS 19
6.3 DRUMS 19
6.4 YOUR MUSIC 20
7GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MOTIONCOMPOSER 21
7.1 ROOM CONDITIONS 21
7.2 PLACEMENT IN THE ROOM 21
7.3 LIGHTS 21
7.4 THE BLOB IS IT 21
7.5 CLOTHING 22
7.6 ACCOUSTICS 22
7.7 SPEAKERS 22
7.8 DESCRIPTION OF MOVEMENTS AND GESTURES 22
7.9 ABOUT CAUSE AND EFFECT 23
7.10 LEFT AND RIGHT 23
7.11 UPDATES –AKTUALISIERUNGEN 24
7.12 WIE FUNKTIONIERT DER MOTIONCOMPOSER? 24
7.13 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 25
7.14 DATA PRIVACY 26
7.15 RECOGNITION AND THANKS 26

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TUTORIAL VIDEOS
go to www.motioncomposer.de/tutorials_e
1WELCOME
The MotionComposer (MC) is a pioneering effort in the field of new technology for creative
expression among individuals with different abilities, and we are excited to begin this process of
discovery with you. There has never been a device like the MotionComposer! We encourage you to
take a little time to discover and understand its features as well as the philosophy behind it.
1.1 WHO CAN USE THE MOTIONCOMPOSER?
Everyone. This includes people with limited cognitive or movement skills. Even tiny finger or eye
movements can be used to create sounds or music. Children of all ages, seniors, dancers and
musicians with and without disabilities, visually impaired, hearing impaired, ...all can play along.
Inclusion is the overriding concept.
Motion composing removes barriers to expression. It works through our "Sense of Agency" (SoA) - a
term used in psychology for the experience of control over the world around us and our own body.
This sense of "I did this!" is both satisfying and empowering, especially when what comes out is
beautiful is something beautiful! Players can create melodies or make up their own movement-
sound experiences –there is no right or wrong way to play the MotionComposer.
1.2 ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
The aim of this book is to explain all the functions of MotionComposer –the sounds and music that
are available, and also the different ways they can be played.
The MotionComposer is under continuous development. Therefore, depending on your software
version, this manual may not quite match your device. The version number of the handbook, found
on page 1 (the front cover) matches the version number of the MotionComposer for which it was
written. Most deviations are minor, but if you want to get the manual version that matches your
software version, you can find it at our website under Support/Help.
1.3 SUPPORT
Support is important for something as new and unique as MotionComposer. There are several ways
to get support:
1.3.1 THE ACTIVITIES BOOK
The Activities book offers practical tips and step-by-step instructions for therapeutic and classroom
applications. There are stories which you can read to your pupils, as well as interesting facts about
the various musical instruments and animals.
1.3.2 THE ONLINE VIDEO TUTORIALS
There are two ways to access the Video Tutorials: One is to go to our website and then go to
Support/Tutorials. Another way is using your smart phone. When you scan the QR codes in this book
it will take directly to the relevant tutorial.
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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1.3.3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have questions, you are probably not the only one. Many are answered at our website:
www.motioncomposer.com.
1.3.4 HOTLINE –CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We also offer to support you by e-mail or telephone, Mon.-Fri.: [phone] or send an e-
mail to [e-mail]. We look forward to hearing from you!
1.4 UNBOXING YOUR MOTIONCOMPOSER
The MotionComposer package contains
The large rolling case contains:
1x user manual
1x MC -Station - the white box with the 2 eyes ;)
1x mains power adapter for the MC-Station
1x mains cable
1x tablet with the corresponding charging unit and charging cable
1x tablet protective case
1x mains 3-way power splitter
1x activity book
1x set of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) cards
1x adhesive tape for floor marking
1x special USB Stick for importing your own music
The smaller case contains:
2 x Genelec 8020 loudspeakers
2 x Audio cables
2 x Power cables
If something appears missing or damaged, please contact us immediately.
1.5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Product description
The MotionComposer offers a new possibility for physical-creative expression for people with and
without disabilities. MotionComposer stands on the one hand for the direct linking of movement
and musical sound production and at the same time for an easy-to-use device for persons with
severe disabilities. The MotionComposer can generate sounds, music and poetry from minimal
movement, such as eye movement or blinking, as well as larger movements such as running and
jumping.
MC 3.0
Station Tablet 8020
Genelec
loudspeaker
s
Transport
case Activities
Book with
AAC Cards
User
Handboo
k

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Safety Notice
The MotionComposer is to be used exclusively to stimulate human movement and generate sound
and music effects. It is the operator's responsibility to verify the suitability of the users and the
musical environments to be used. Only the supplied power supply and other auxilliaries are to be
used to operate the MotionComposer. Failure to comply with the safety instructions will void the
warranty.
The device must not be operated in rooms with high humidity (e.g. bathrooms, saunas) or high dust
concentrations (e.g. workshops). It is not suitable for outdoor use.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it will limit the functionality of the MotionComposer.
Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place.
Always connect the device to a grounded circuit.
Use only accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Do not make any modifications that have not been expressly approved by the
manufacturer.
Protect the device from moisture and humidity.
Protect the device from shocks and mechanical loads.
Clean the device only with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
We recommend storing the device in the supplied case to protect the camera lenses
from damage.
Do not insert any objects into the device.
Always place the device on a stable, dry, horizontal surface.
Do not remove the cover, the bottom or the rear panel of the device as there is a risk of
electric shock! There are no parts inside which can be repaired by the user. Have repair
work carried out only by the manufacturer.
Caution: after prolonged use, the underside of the unit will become hot. Be a little careful when
picking it up!
1.6 GUARANTEE
MotionComposer GmbH warrants the hardware of this product to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials under normal use and conditions for a period of 36 months from the
original invoice date. Shipping and handling charges are the responsibility of the customer. The
manufacturer agrees, to either repair any defect in material or workmanship, or to provide a
repaired or reconditioned product of equal value in exchange, free of charge, during the warranty
period (except for shipping, handling, packing, return postage and postal insurance, which shall be
borne by the customer). Such repair or replacement is subject to verification of the defect or
malfunction and proof of purchase confirmed by presentation of the dated certificate of purchase.

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2GETTINGS STARTED,STEP-BY-STEP
1. Find a place with room to move.
We recommend a room with a free area of at least 3.5 x 3.5 metres.
2. Place the MotionComposer on a stable table.
The speakers should be as far apart as possible for a good stereo effect.
3. Attach the mains power cord to the back of the MC station.
NN/OFF Switch
Mains (power cord)
Left loudspeaker
Right loudspeaker

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4. Attach the loudspeakers.
4. Turn it on!
There is a power switch on the back of the MC station. Since the MC is completely silent, the lights
underneath the chassis will tell you that it is on. The colored lights will go in circles to tell you that it
is warming up.
5. Turn on the tablet
While the Station is warming up, press the little button on the side of the tablet and hold it down for
1-2 seconds. This will start the tablet.
After about 2 minutes, the tablet will display the main menu:
Mains
Audio Cable

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5. Select a Musical Environment
Each colored button brings you to a different sound world –what we call „Musical Environments“, or
ME’s for short.
6. And... off you go!
Now when you move in front of the MotionComposer, your movements will play the sounds.
7. Shutting off the MotionComposer
To turn off the MotionComposer, use the same switch that you used to turn it on. Unlike a
computer, this will not hurt it. You do not need to turn off the speakers - they will turn themselves
off. To turn off the tablet, press the same button you used to turn it on. Hold it down for 1-2
seconds and answer the little pop-up on the screen.
3THE TABLET
The tablet connects automatically to the MC station via WiFi. Note: Neither the tablet nor the
station connects to the internet. We respect your privacy!
The tablet cannot be used for other purposes. Other tablets or smartphones cannot be used with the
MotionComposer.
3.1 TURNING IT ON AND OFF
The little button on the side of the tablet is used both for turning it on, and turning it off. Hold it for
a couple of seconds down, and a confirmation pop-up window will appear.
3.2 CHARGING THE TABLET
The tablet charges just like your smart phone. You can either plug it into the mains using the USB
power adapter, or you can plug it into the back of the MC Station. It will charge even with the MC is
turned off.
There is a little red light on the tablet that illuminates when the tablet is charging.
The battery will last about 6 hours in normal use. Recharging takes about 4 hours.
To check the battery level, swipe your finger down from the top of the screen as shown:
TUTORIAL VIDEO #2: „Getting Started“
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial2_e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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The red light
shows that it is
charging.
Music Environments Menu
3.3 THE MENUS
The MotionComposer has 5 menus:
After brushing down, the battery
level appears in this corner.
Main Menu
Settings Menu
Sound World Menu
Movement World Menu

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4THE MAIN MENU
The Music Environments (ME’s):
More ME’s are in development. We will contact you each time a new one becomes available. Or, you
can follow our progress at our website, under „Support“ and „Help“.
Tonality
Classical instruments from piano to harp: Improvise or play a song.
Fields
Nature sounds and animal sounds: some familiar and some
unusual and strange. Fields is the environment to tell stories!
Drums
Drum grooves from rock to hip-hop: the jam sessions are on!
Settings
Help
Sound check
The Music Envrionments
Mute

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4.1 SETTINGS
Pressing this button opens the following menu:
4.1.1 SIZE OF THE ACTIVE AREA
The MC can be used in a variety of spaces, from large gyms to small offices or even bedrooms with
people lying in bed. If your active area is free of furniture and is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet,
you are good to go and should not need to make any adjustments.
If your active area is much smaller, you may experience interference (when in Player Mode) from
furniture, walls or even the ceiling. To adjust for this, the active area slider can be adjusted.
Zone mode works under all conditions –large room, small room, sunshine,... even in bed.
The active area is as wide as it is deep, so measuring either the width or the depth, whichever is
smaller, and use that number for the slider.
4.1.2 LOAD SAVED SETTINGS
You have the option to save the various settings you have made, i.e. the selected mode, sounds or
instruments, and also the selected gestures. This is done using the Save Settings button.
4.1.3 UPDATES
Unlike many devices sold today, the MC does not connect to the Internet. We respect your privacy
and that of your clients. Therefore, we use a USB stick procedure for your update.
To check if your MC is up to date, check your current version by tapping the "Update" button. There
you will see which version is currently installed on your system.

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You can find the available updates on our website under Support/Help. If your MC is not up to date
and you want to update it, you can order a USB stick (free of charge) from MotionComposer GmbH.
Carefully follow the update instructions supplied with the stick.
4.1.4 LANGUAGES
MotionComposer has English, French, German and Spanish.
5THE MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS MENU
Sensitivity
Active Player
Direction of
Movement to
play notes
Player Modes
Zones Mode
Volume
Mute
Help
Settings
Back to Main
Menu
Musical Environment
currently-running
Save Settings
Available Sounds and Music
Available Gestures and Movements
TUTORIAL VIDEO #3: „The Main Menu“
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial3_e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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5.1 BACK TO MAIN MENU
This button indicates which music environment is currently running. It is also
the place you tap to return to the main menu.
5.2 PLAYER MODE AND ZONE MODE
The concept of "players" and "zones" is fundamental to understanding the MotionComposer. The
MC tracks motion in two ways:
In "Players," individual players create the sounds through their positions, gestures, and movements.
In "Zones", each movement within the play area controls the sounds and music.
5.3 1-PLAYER MODE:THE ACTIVE PLAYER
The active player or players make music with their movements. If someone moves in front of the
MC, s/he is marked as "active". The active figure is displayed on the tablet with a red border.
The player is marked as active. (red ouline)
If there is more than one person in the active area, and you want only one specific person to play
music, you can select a player by tapping the corresponding figure in the display.
The right player is marked as active (red outline). Only she makes music.
5.4 DIRECTIONS:HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL
The horizontal and vertical player modes are available in certain MEs:
Horizontal means that the position of your body is tracked as you go across the room.
So, for example, in Tonality, the low notes will be at one side of the room, and the high
notes at the other.

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Vertical mode gives the ability to play with the height of your arms reaching out beside
your body –higher arms, higher notes; lower arms, lower notes. If no arms are found,
the height of the body is used instead.
In Vertical mode, you can play two different instruments –one with each arm. To hear the
difference, close one arm and play with the other. If no arms are closed (or not found by the tracking
software), then both instruments will play as long as you are moving (and the „height“, or pitch of
the notes will be chosen randomly by the software.
Resetting the body height
To correctly set the position of the arms (for playing in vertical player mode), the MotionComposer
needs to set the height of the player. This happens when you enter the room for the first time.
However, if you enter and then sit down, or enter at an angle, then the MotionComposer can get
confused as to your true height. Therefore, if you think you are not hearing all the notes, you should
reset the height. You do this by tapping twice on the image on the vide. It will turn white and then
red again.
5.5 2-PLAYER MODE
In 2-player mode, two players can be active at the same time. They are marked in two different
colors (red and green):
Both players are active.
5.6 SWITCHING ROLES IN 2-PLAYER MODE
In 2-player mode, the two players can play different musical instruments or soundbanks.
When you tap the swap button, the properties (and colors) of the two players are swapped.
5.7 ZONES MODE:1-UND 2-ZONEN
To activate the zone mode, tap one of the two purple buttons. You have the choice between one
and two zones.
With 2-zones, the room is divided into two areas: Left and Right. For example,
a player could play the piano on the left side of the room, and then a harp on
the right side. Or two people can play a duet together, each dancing in one
half of the room.
When you select the 2-player mode, a button with the
"Swap" icon appears.

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Zones mode has two important advantages: First, any number of people can play at the same time.
Of course, it would be impossible to tell who is doing what! Even with three people playing at the
same time, it is hard to tell. Still, by orchestrating, or conducting your players it is possible to have a
lot of fun with a group. For example, tell everyone to hold still, and then ask one person to play a
solo!
A second advantage of "zones" is that any part of the body can be used to control the music. This
can be helpful if you are working with a physically challenged person. You can use Zones mode in
virtually any light and physical conditions, for example, on a mat on the floor, or lying in bed.
5.8 MUSIC AND GESTURE CONTROLS:„SOUND WORLD“AND „MOVEMENT WORLD“
At the bottom of the Music Environments menu screen are the Music Controls tabs. Here you assign
musical properties to players or zones via the Sound World menu and movements and gestures via
the Motion World menu.
Depending on the music environment, the tabs offer different musical and gesture options.
5.9 HILFE
This button gives you explanations and tips.
5.10 SETTINGS
Settings are explained in section 4.1, above.
5.11 VOLUME
Slide the slider up and down to adjust the volume.

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5.12 SENSITIVITY
The sensitivity function (to the left of the volume control) allows you to adjust the motion
sensitivity. You can increase the sensitivity for players with little range of motion, and
decrease the sensitivity for players with large or uncontrolled movements. You can think
of this slider as controlling the number of notes you will hear, but not their loudness.
In addition, Zones Mode allows you to work with groups. Since the total movement of all
people is added up, then you might want to lower this slider when many people are
present. Also note, when someone is close the camera, you may want less sensitivity.
Increased Sensitivity means:
- The system treats small movements as if they are larger.
- The player does not have to stretch her or his arms so far up or to the side.
- Gestures are triggered more easily.
5.13 MUTE
Tap this icon to turn the sound off. Tap again to turn it back on.
5.14 SAVE CURRENT SETTINGS
Once you have selected a music environment and made all the settings you want, you
can save your overall situation onto the tablet's memory. When you tap Save, you will
be prompted to give your situation a name so you can reload them later.
To load settings that you have previously saved, go to the Settings menu where you will
find Load Saved Settings.
TUTORIAL VIDEO #4: The Musical Environment Menü
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial4 _e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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6THE MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS (ME’S)
6.1 TONALITY
What is Tonal Music? Western music has a long and rich tradition - from the
Middle Ages through the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. These
traditions, of course, laid the foundation for jazz and pop as well as folk music. The
patterns of sound we hear in music - the melodies and harmonies they form - can
carry us to distant places.
In this ME, we provide some of these patterns, not just for the ears, but for the whole body. Our goal
is for you to physically feel what music is, how it can bring out our emotions, and how we can share
it with those around us.
PLAYER MODES AND GESTURES IN TONALITY
1 and 2-player horizontal mode
1 and 2-player vertical mode
Overhead –plays a chord from the second instrument
Double arms side –plays a chord from the main instrument
Discretes –play single notes
Arms Open Wide –allows you to play a chord as an arpeggio.
Going Low –will pitch bend the instrument downards and also bring in other
special effects
1 and 2 Zones
Burst 1 und 2 –in Zones, any burst of movement will play a chord. Burst 1
play the secondary instrument, and burst 2 will play your main instrument.
TUTORIAL #5: Tonality in Player, Horizontal
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial5_e
TUTORIAL #6: Tonality in Player Vertical
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial6_e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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6.1.1 SONGS
As with any "real" musical instrument, playing songs requires practice and patience. But for those
willing to take the time, preparing a performance can be an real pleasure and, yes, there are ways to
involve people of all abilities. (For more information about using the MC as a musical instrument,
see www.motioncomposer.de/en/help/.
Songs are available in vertical or horizontal Player Mode as well as Zones Mode. Player Mode playing
takes practice; Zones Mode is easy.
Step-by-step instructions for each song can be found in your Ativity Book as well as in video tutorials
at the website.
6.2 FIELDS
The little prince meets a singing cat that jokes with a sheep that talks to a bee
that walks in the rain.
Fields allows you to express yourself with any kind of movement and a wide
variety of sounds -- from animals, to rain. Immerse yourself in a fun, calming or
poetic world. Tell a story!
Some of Fields' soundbanks offer special little surprises. You can read about these in the Activities
Book. There you will also find ideas for stories and other activities you can do.
BACKGROUND EFFECT
Each Fields soundbank has a special background sound. These can be turned on and off in
the Sound World menu.
If you use the 2-player mode and activate this function, the background music for the sound of
player 1 is active. If you use the 2-zone mode, the background music for the left zone is heard.
6.3 DRUMS
Drums is based on hitting and kicking gestures - things we do very deliberately.
The hits go to the side or up, while the kicks go to the side. If you hit many times
in a row, the software adapts to your playing, pumping up the beat and makes
you seem more rhythmic than you really are.
TUTORIAL #9: Fields
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial9_e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.

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BACKGROUND EFFECT
Backgound is in the Sound World menu, and adds a song or rhythm to your playing.
6.4 YOUR MUSIC
„Import Your Own Music“ is the idea. Insert the special USB stick provided into
your laptop, and load any music onto it in file format .mp3 or .wav . (If you need
help doing this, ask a young person ;)). Then insert it into the back of the
MotionComposer and you are ready to go!
There are three ways to use Your Music:
You can add accents or special effects to the music with gestures (see below)
You can use your movements (any movements) to „activate“ the music. I.e. when you stop
moving, the music fades away. Thus, it can be used as a motivation to become active.
You can simple play the song. The MotionComposer is also a stereo!
STILLNESS EFFECT –WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STOP MOVING
The music remains full volume
When you stop moving, the music fades into the distance
When you stop moving, the music stops.
GESTURES IN MOVEMENT WORLD MENU
With gestures you can add a variety of special effects to your music. Try them out! To use the
MotionComposer as a stereo, simply turn off the gestures.
TUTORIAL #10: Drums
www.motioncomposer.de/tutorial10_e
… or scan this QR-code
with your smartphone.