UANA
A Multiplayer Musical Instrument for Learning, Sharing, Enjoying
Uana is a new musical instrument that can be played by up to four musicians. It was designed and developed for the workshops program within our INSTRMNTS exhibition and for educational programs that explore the amazing way that music comes together.
PLAY PLUCKING
Uana is an instrument in the family of plucked idiophones called lamellophones. It has 45 metal plates which we call “keys”, each of which is fixed at one end and has the other end free so it vibrates when plucked by the finger or nail. It is tuned in a C major pentatonic scale with three octaves and has three sections of each.
CENTERING MANDALA
Children from the age of 5 can easily enjoy playing the uana and every component has been designed and tested in order to ensure they play it comfortably and safely. Its top cover with the configuration of a mandala, is there to protect but also to inspire.
INSTRUMENTS TOGETHER
Uana is perfectly tuned to be able to play with other instruments. Its C major pentatonic scale is easy to play and with three octaves has a range that allows endless possibilities to improvise, jam and make great music with other musicians.
WATCH CHILDREN AND ADULTS IMPROVISING AT THEIR FIRST TRIAL WITH UANA.
(only one was a musician)
UANA GRAND
We like to think of Uana as a Grand Piano of lamellophones. This particular version was commissioned by the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia in Charleston, USA and is currently installed in its children’s workshop studio. We design and make every component ourselves so our instruments sound great and last forever.
PLAYING IN CIRCLES
playing the uana in a group of four is like moving in circles around one central aim, that of creating collaboratively. The participants literally move around the instrument in this game of music and can decide to change direction at any moment making everyone else follow.
WATCH A VIDEO TUTORIAL ON HOW TO PLAY UANA
GET IN TOUCH
UANA IS READY TO BE ORDERED!
if you are interested in this fascinating instrument,
talk to us today.