It is currently being developed at the interface of music education and cognitive science at Osnabrück University. The aim is to motivate children to practise a musical instrument regularly through play.

In the "Beast Cleaning Service", the character Monique only moves when a musical instrument is played. The pitches are recognized via the microphone and translated into movements. In this way, children steer Monique through imaginative worlds in which she tracks down giant creatures and uses oversized tools - such as the "power comb" - to remove industrial waste.

Behind this idea are Jasmin Mattern, who studied cognitive science at Osnabrück University and is currently working on founding the start-up "Spielbauwerk" as an EXIST scholarship holder, and Sönke Lagemann from the Osnabrück video game start-up "1000 Orks". The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is funding the project, which is being carried out at Osnabrück University's Music Technology & Digital Musicolgy Lab, with €125,500.

Two years ago, game designer Sönke Lagemann tried to learn the trumpet himself - with moderate success. "There must be a more fun way," he thought to himself.

Jasmin Mattern has been working as a data analyst for years and is responsible for finance, applications, networks and personnel in the project. The two met years ago through the Osnabrück circus association "ZirkOS". "I still can't juggle, but I would definitely like to learn the cello," says Jasmin Mattern. The first foundations for this project could be laid through the "Beast Cleaning Service".

Further information for editorial offices:
Prof. Dr. Michael Oehler, Osnabrück University
Institute of Musicology and Music Education
E-mail:  michael.oehler@uni-osnabrueck.de