Digit Music
Digit Music is a UK-based EdTech company building the CMPSR joystick MIDI controller and Swipe accessible music app, with BBC-co-developed Arrownotes notation, sold to primary schools, SEND settings, and music hubs across the UK and US.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersDerby, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Digit Music does
Digit Music is a UK-based EdTech company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Derby, operating with a small team of 1-10 employees on a mission to make music education accessible to every learner and teacher regardless of background or ability. Its core product is the CMPSR (pronounced "kom-poh-zah"), a disability-friendly, velocity-sensitive joystick MIDI controller hand-built in the UK, paired with the CMPSR Swipe application (iOS, Android, Web) that turns any touchscreen into a playable instrument via swiping, tapping, or blinking. These are complemented by Arrownotes, an accessible visual notation system co-developed with the BBC for the BBC Ten Pieces programme, and Backstage, a premium education platform delivering curriculum-mapped lesson plans aligned with the UK Model Music Curriculum and the Sounds of Intent SEND framework.
The company monetises through a hybrid model: one-time hardware sales of tiered CMPSR bundles (Player Pack £299, Performer Pack £399, Multi Pack £1,196 for five units, Ensemble Pack £1,675 with hard case), plus accessories such as the Perform Pack (£119) and Minirig 4 Bluetooth speaker (£159), alongside recurring software revenue from the Backstage premium subscription and the Whole Class Music Tech Software Package (32 Swipe licences, teacher accounts, training, lifetime access). A freemium Swipe Free tier and free pilots serve as top-of-funnel acquisition tools. Distribution is multi-channel: direct e-commerce via digitmusic.co.uk, UK and US music equipment retailers (Normans, pBone Music, U-Can-Play, Chamberlain Music, School Health, Romeo Music, Westminster Tech), the Charanga YuStudio DAW platform, and the DfE Musical Instruments Framework for Hub Lead Organisations.
Digit Music targets four customer segments: UK primary schools, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) settings, Music Services / Music Hubs, and a secondary Home/Consumer audience. Named customers and partners include North Worcester Primary Academy (60-pupil Year 5 WCIT pilot), Pioneer House SEND setting, Derbyshire Music Service, Severn Arts, and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation-supported Trailblazers programme across six SEND/PRU settings in Manchester and Derbyshire. The company has secured an Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation Award (2022), a 2023 Tech4Good Accessibility Award, and a 2023 Computer Music Innovation Award, with total disclosed funding of approximately $62K from Innovate UK grants. No institutional venture capital, private equity backing, or revenue figures are disclosed.
Digit Music firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Digit Music
- Legal name
- Digit Music
- Website
- https://digitmusic.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Digit Music is a UK-based EdTech company building the CMPSR joystick MIDI controller and Swipe accessible music app, with BBC-co-developed Arrownotes notation, sold to primary schools, SEND settings, and music hubs across the UK and US.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Digit Music industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Music Education Technology
- NAICS
- Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (459140), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Musical Instruments (3931)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers) (MPAIAJAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Digital Content (EDAGAEAJ), Music Notation & Scoring Software (MPAIAIAE), Assistive & Accessibility Input Devices (Switches, Adaptive Controllers, Braille Keyboards) (HDACAFAL), Music Education Hardware (Practice Tools, Metronomes, Tuners, Lab Systems) (MPAIAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Digit Music is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Derby
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Digit Music business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales (CMPSR Controller): Sale of CMPSR joystick controller hardware in various pack configurations (Player Pack, Performer Pack, Multi Pack, Ensemble Pack). One-time purchase model with products hand-built in UK.
- Software Subscriptions (Backstage): Premium Backstage account subscription providing access to exclusive education content and resources. Free tier (Swipe Free) with 5 instruments available; premium unlocks full curriculum content.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Sale of complementary products including Perform Pack (RAM Mount and hard case), Minirig 4 Speaker, and related music equipment.
- Whole Class Music Tech Package: Bundled software and services package including class set of Swipe apps (32 licenses), curriculum-mapped video lessons, teacher accounts, staff training session, and lifetime access to Swipe Light Version and Resources.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CMPSR Player Pack - Core joystick controller bundle |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CMPSR Performer Pack - Enhanced bundle with accessories |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CMPSR Multi Pack - Bundle of 5 instruments |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CMPSR Ensemble Pack - Premium bundle with 5 instruments and hard case |
| Freemium | Monthly | Swipe Free - Freemium tier |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Perform Pack - Accessories bundle (no controller) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Minirig 4 Speaker - Portable Bluetooth speaker |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Digit Music product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Digit Music designs, manufactures, and sells the CMPSR joystick MIDI controller and the CMPSR Swipe adaptive music application, paired with the BBC-co-developed Arrownotes accessible notation system and the Backstage premium curriculum platform. Its products enable inclusive, whole-class music education for primary schools, SEND settings, and music hubs, with hardware hand-built in the UK and software available on iOS, Android, and Web.
Product overview
Digit Music is a UK-based EdTech company offering an integrated music education ecosystem centered on two core products: the CMPSR joystick controller (a disability-friendly, game-like MIDI instrument) and the CMPSR Swipe app (an accessible music creation app for iOS, Android, and Web). These are supported by the Arrownotes accessible notation system (developed with the BBC), the Backstage premium education platform with curriculum-mapped resources, and the Digit Sounds audio content library. The company sells hardware in tiered bundles (Player Pack, Performer Pack, Ensemble Pack, Multi Pack), the Perform Pack accessory, and the Minirig 4 Speaker. Products are designed for whole-class instrumental teaching (WCIT), SEND settings, music hubs, and primary schools, with no specialist training required.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CMPSR: Award-winning, disability-friendly joystick MIDI controller that opens up music performance and composition to all students. Pronounced 'kom-poh-zah'.
- Swipe
- Arrownotes
- Backstage
Products and services
- CMPSR Joystick MIDI Controller An award-winning, disability-friendly joystick controller that pairs with the CMPSR Swipe app and any MIDI software or hardware. Features velocity-sensitive joystick input, 8 RGB music mode pads, 5 octaves, key/scale/chords/inversions/smart sustain, in-built haptic engine, rechargeable battery, and wireless or USB-C connectivity. Hand-built in the UK. Sold individually and as part of tiered packs.
- CMPSR Swipe Music App An intuitive digital music application available for iOS, Android and Web that turns any touchscreen device into a playable instrument via swiping, tapping or blinking gestures. Features an adaptive interface that scales across screen sizes, scale/chord playing support, premium instruments and backing beats. Functions as a standalone music app or as a companion to the CMPSR joystick via wireless MIDI.
- Arrownotes Accessible Music Notation An intuitive notation system that transforms complex traditional music notation into an easy-to-understand visual language, making reading and composing music accessible for learners of all abilities. Developed in partnership with the BBC for inclusive classroom resources as part of the BBC Ten Pieces education initiative.
- Backstage Premium Education Platform A premium online education account bundled with CMPSR purchase that unlocks exclusive education content, curriculum-mapped resources, video tutorials and interactive guides. Provides structured progression pathways and teacher-facing materials aligned to the UK Model Music Curriculum.
- Swipe Free A free tier of the CMPSR Swipe music app offering 5 instruments, starter activities, and audio content for individual learners, designed to drive adoption of the wider Digit Music ecosystem.
- Whole Class Music Tech Software Package A bundled institutional offering comprising a full class set of 32 CMPSR Swipe music instrument app licences, ready-to-use curriculum-mapped video-driven lesson content, up to 6 teacher accounts, a staff training session, and lifetime access to Swipe Light Version and Resources. Targeted at schools and music hubs delivering Whole Class Instrumental Teaching (WCIT).
- Digit Sounds Audio Library A library of audio content featuring sounds recorded by professional musicians, including instruments performed by members of Jessie J's band and authentic recordings such as the Nyatiti from Nairobi. Used as teaching material within the CMPSR Swipe app and across Digit Music education resources.
- Minirig 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker A portable Bluetooth speaker supplied with audio cable, USB-C charger cable, case and recycled packaging, used as a complementary peripheral for CMPSR-based music education delivery.
Companies that use Digit Music
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Digit Music technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature4 records
Digit Music partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and significant.
- BBCcoreDigit Music partnered with the BBC to develop inclusive notation and engaging classroom activities for the BBC Ten Pieces education resource, used in schools across the UK to inspire creativity and make music education accessible to all.
- Charanga (YuStudio)coreCMPSR resources accessible through Charanga's YuStudio inclusive DAW, an inclusive digital audio workstation that empowers creative collaboration and seamless integration of Digit Music's innovative music tools.
- NormansmajorUK music equipment retailer distributing CMPSR joystick controller and related products to schools and music services.
- pBone MusicmajorUK music equipment retailer distributing CMPSR instruments alongside their brass instrument product lines.
- U-Can-PlaymajorUK educational music retailer distributing CMPSR products to schools and music education providers.
- Chamberlain MusicmajorUK music education supplier distributing CMPSR accessible music instruments to educational institutions.
- School HealthmajorUS healthcare and education supplies distributor offering Digit Music CMPSR products to American schools and therapy settings.
- Romeo MusicmajorUS music equipment distributor supplying CMPSR accessible music instruments in the American market.
- Westminster TechmajorUS educational technology distributor providing CMPSR accessible music products to schools and institutions.
- Derbyshire Music ServicesignificantLeading music service partnered with Digit Music to implement Whole Class Music Tech solution transforming classrooms and delivering sustainable, inclusive music education.
- Severn ArtssignificantMusic service partner benefiting from CMPSR-based inclusive music education solutions with proven case studies demonstrating transformed classrooms and boosted engagement.
- Pioneer HousesignificantSEND setting that partnered through the Trailblazers program, demonstrating that every child can participate in music education when accessible tools are provided.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Digit Music competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Ableton: Ableton's Live and Move controllers target music creation and education via MIDI. It is a broad incumbent in music production software/hardware that Charanga-class education platforms and CMPSR-style controllers integrate with.
- Soundtrap (Spotify): Soundtrap is a cloud-based DAW widely used in K-12 music education. It is comparable to the Swipe app side of Digit Music as a web/mobile accessible music creation platform, though broader and less accessibility-specialised.
- Native Instruments: Native Instruments produces a broad portfolio of music production software, hardware controllers, and Komplete education bundles. It overlaps with CMPSR + Swipe as a music creation toolset for learners and producers, but at incumbent scale.
- BandLab Technologies: BandLab's free cloud DAW and BandLab for Education serve millions of students and hobbyists creating music on phones and tablets, overlapping with the consumer/home use case and freemium model of Digit Music's Swipe app.
- Novation (Focusrite): Novation, owned by Focusrite, is an established MIDI controller and music hardware brand (Launchpad, Launchkey). It competes for the same music-maker/educator MIDI controller wallet as CMPSR but as a broad incumbent rather than a specialist accessibility brand.
Emerging players
- Artiphon: Artiphon makes the Instrument 1, a multi-instrument adaptive controller that lets users play strings, keys, pads and taps in a single device. Like Digit Music's CMPSR, it targets accessible, intuitive music-making rather than traditional instrument mastery, making it a comparable adaptive controller peer.
- Sensitra: Sensitra builds accessible music technology for learners with disabilities, including adaptive instruments. It is a direct emerging peer in the accessible/SEND music-tech niche alongside Digit Music's CMPSR and Swipe.
- ROLI: ROLI makes the Seaboard, Blocks and LUMI — expressive, alternative MIDI controllers and music-learning hardware. It overlaps with CMPSR on alternative MIDI input devices aimed at non-traditional players and learners.
Direct peers
- MakeMusic (Finale / SmartMusic): MakeMusic produces notation (Finale, Dorico rival) and music education platforms (SmartMusic). It is comparable to Digit Music as a music-education software and notation provider serving schools and learners.
- Charanga: Charanga provides YuStudio, an inclusive digital audio workstation for music education. Digit Music integrates with YuStudio and Charanga is also a competitor for the same UK school/Music Service digital music education budgets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Digit Music social profiles
Digital presenceDigit Music financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Digit Music leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Digit Music funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Digit Music M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Digit Music
What does Digit Music do?
Digit Music designs, manufactures, and sells the CMPSR joystick MIDI controller and the CMPSR Swipe adaptive music application, paired with the BBC-co-developed Arrownotes accessible notation system and the Backstage premium curriculum platform. Its products enable inclusive, whole-class music education for primary schools, SEND settings, and music hubs, with hardware hand-built in the UK and software available on iOS, Android, and Web.
Is Digit Music a public or private company?
Digit Music is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Digit Music founded?
Digit Music was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Digit Music based?
Digit Music is headquartered in Derby, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Digit Music make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales (CMPSR Controller) is the primary driver. The others are software Subscriptions (Backstage), accessories and Add-ons and whole Class Music Tech Package.
Who are Digit Music's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Ableton, Soundtrap (Spotify), Native Instruments, BandLab Technologies and Novation (Focusrite). Emerging players are Artiphon, Sensitra and ROLI. Direct peers are MakeMusic (Finale / SmartMusic) and Charanga.
Does Digit Music have an API?
No public API is recorded for Digit Music.
What industry is Digit Music in?
Digit Music's product category is Music Education Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAE, Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers), with a secondary code of EDAGAEAJ, Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Digital Content. Its NAICS code is 459140 and its SIC code is 3931.