Link February 2017 Volume 26 Issue 1 | Page 45

is able to communicate by spelling out words using eye movements . He also uses this system to help him to communicate while composing music .
Jason composes using audio software program Logic with the help of an assistant . He explains : “ I haven ’ t tried a computer eye tracking system that works accurately or fast enough for me . I can ’ t be left alone anyway , so I just communicate the way I always do , giving my caregiver detailed instructions on what to do in Logic with the music . It is interesting how I don ’ t need a musician to help me compose . The only thing I need is someone who is a computer whiz and someone who can spell quickly with me . I don ’ t want opinions when I am concentrating on the music I am trying to write .”
“ I don ’ t write a score when I am first writing the music ,” says Jason of his composition process . “ I have many great and very realistic samples of most every instrument . It is like
doing a multi-track recording , only I record each track extremely slowly . I really massage each note . I can do quite a lot in Logic . It can sound really emotional and real . I have gotten better and faster at it through the years .”
“ Sometimes when I am starting a new idea ,” explains Jason , “ I am not sure what notes I am thinking of , I ask my dad Gary to play certain notes and chords on the guitar . I kind of hunt and pick around , like most guitar players do , by telling him what to play . It is fun when we find what I was looking for , but even more fun when we stumble upon something even cooler .”
Although Jason originally stopped play music after becoming paralysed , he now finds that it gives him an important creative outlet . “ My mind finally got fed up with musical ideas not getting out ; it was driving me crazy . I just had to try something ,” he says “ I knew it would be excruciatingly slow , but
I don ’ t need a musician to help me compose . The only thing I need is someone who is a computer whiz and someone who can spell quickly ... I don ’ t want opinions when I am concentrating on the music ...
I resigned myself to that . Once I accepted that I would have to spell out every little direction , I was okay . We all need something to make us feel worthwhile , and like we matter . It takes our mind off of our problems . Creativity is healing , but it isn ’ t always possible . I wish that every disabled person had all the help they needed .”
Jason Becker ’ s new album will be released later in the year and will be available on iTunes , Amazon and at all the usual outlets . jasonbecker . com

EASY ENGLISH FACT SHEETS

How to have better bladder control
Continence Foundation of Australia
Easy English 2016
Page 4
People with poor bladder control may
● leak wee when they
– laugh
– cough
– sneeze .
They may also
● need to hurry to get to the toilet
● go to the toilet a lot
● wake up a lot at night to go to the toilet
● wet the bed
● wet themselves before they can get to the toilet .

Easy to read information about how to improve bladder and bowel health

Available to download at continence . org . au / easy-english
National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 Supported by funding from the Australian Government under the National Continence Program linkonline . com . au music
43