Welcome to the Percussion Play Blog
We hope you'll be a regular visitor as we share stories about the instruments we make and the people who play them.
This is where we share our passion for music in the great outdoors! We'll share with you details of exciting new outdoor music projects and designs from around the globe. We'll share with you information about the instruments we sell and a little about the inspiration behind them
Most importantly, this blog is about what we love to do the most - help you create new and exciting ways to bring music to the great outdoors.
Thank you for reading, visiting, commenting and contributing - we’re excited to have you here!
Celebrating Global Success: Percussion Play Receives the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade
On December 3, 2024, our team gathered to celebrate a monumental achievement. In a ceremony held at our new office and workshop at Dunsbury Park, Hampshire, we were officially awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2024. This recognition celebrates our growth in global markets and underscores our commitment to innovation.
A Royal Recognition
The award was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq, who was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Simon Tufnell. Our Founders Jody Ashfield (CEO) and Robin Ashfield (Marketing Director) received the honor on behalf of our entire team. Following the presentation, the Lord-Lieutenant toured our new HQ, offering praise for the company’s achievements and the positive impact of their work worldwide.
During his visit, the Lord-Lieutenant learned about our handcrafted instruments, designed and built on-site and designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals...
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), 3 December
Each year, on December 3, Percussion Play proudly recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This significant occasion highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The United Nations observance sheds light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities across multiple dimensions: political, social, economic, and cultural.
Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Outdoor Music
In celebration of this vital day, we aim to showcase the transformative power of music therapy in outdoor environments. Research increasingly supports the notion that music can play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The Impact of Music on Well-Being
Our informative white paper, Beating the Drum for Equality: The Role of Music in Accessibility, Inclusion,...
Reflecting on a Year of Innovation: Celebrating Connections and Insights
As we approach the end of the year, Percussion Play is thrilled to announce our participation in the NAEYC Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. This event signifies the culmination of a series of expos we have attended, covering a range of topics from early childhood programs to senior initiatives. Our journey has also included meetings focused on children's museums, landscape architecture, camps, and parks and recreation.
Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of showcasing our outdoor musical instruments, specifically designed to perform well in a range of environments. Whether in playgrounds, educational settings, or community spaces, our instruments provide opportunities for creative expression, sensory development, and community engagement.
The NAEYC Conference is particularly special because it focuses on the early childhood education community. We are excited to connect with educators and professionals who recognize the importance of music and play in child development....
Percussion Play Launches New Research Exploring How Play Areas Can Be Made More Accessible for the Blind and Partially Sighted Community
In partnership with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and The Amber Trust, Percussion Play has chosen World Sight Day to release new research exploring how play areas can be more accessible for the blind and partially sighted community.
As part of the project, two focus groups were held at the RSBC’s Life Without Limits Centre, where Percussion Play’s instruments were demonstrated. Feedback examined the accessibility of these instruments for blind and partially sighted users.
This research informed our new White Paper, "Sounds of Progress: Putting Music to Work for Blind, Low Vision, Partially Sighted and Visually Impaired People" which explores the ways in which music might be mobilized to create more inclusive environments.
The Amber Trust is the only national charity dedicated to supporting vision-impaired children with their musical development and...
Elevating Senior Well-being with Music This World Alzheimer’s Day
As we observe World Alzheimer’s Month this September, with a special focus on World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on innovative ways to support and enrich the lives of those affected by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. At Percussion Play, we’re passionate about harnessing the power of music to make a positive impact, especially for our senior community members. In line with this year’s theme of action against dementia and Alzheimer's, we’re keen to share how outdoor musical instruments can play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of seniors, particularly those navigating the challenges of dementia.
The Power of Music in Dementia Care
Music has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects. It can soothe the mind, trigger memories, and encourage social interaction. For individuals with dementia, music can be a gateway to communication when words are hard to find, enabling them to connect with others and...
Noodling Around: Unleashing Creativity Through Musical Improvisation
What is musical improvisation?
Musical improvisation is the act of creating, composing, or performing music in the moment without any prior preparation. It's like making music on the spot, as it happens.
Learning to play a musical instrument is an incredible experience, especially when you start at a young age. While traditional training is fantastic for building consistency, it may not always encourage creativity. On the other hand, improvisation is all about unleashing your creativity and can enhance your musical skills. Developing improvisational skills can boost your confidence in all your performances.
At Percussion Play, we're big fans of improvisation. Our instruments are designed to inspire and nurture the improvisational spirit in everyone who plays them.
When you spend time creating and exploring music, it becomes more alive, free, and connected to your emotions. It's less about being "correct" and more about exploring possibilities. Instead of worrying about making...