Updated as of January 28, 2024.
Why?
As with literary text and mathematical text, the most appropriate output is either print or Music Braille. Sighted peers learn and use print musical notation, and this is done for a reason—because interaction with musical text is important for musicians at all levels. Providing text-based musical notation allows individuals to read, interact with, and write musical notation; only print (regular and enlarged) and Braille (specifically, Music Braille) allow an individual to efficiently and independently read, interact with, and write musical notation.
Check out the Bridges Resource Library Music Braille/Braille Music entry for more information.
Enlarged print music resources
Please note that many vendors sell hard-copy enlarged music; Search online for “Large print music.” Additional options include:
Music Materials web page from the National Library Service (NLS)
Provides links to many resources, from instruction through production and access to existing large print music scores
Dancing Dots
Lime Lighter: Music-Reading Solution for People with Low Vision
Check out the Bridges Resource Library Lime Lighter entry for more information.
Music Braille resources
Music Materials web page from the National Library Service (NLS)
Links to many resources, from instruction through production and access to existing Music Braille scores
Music Braille cheat sheets (PDFs):
Compiled by Jennifer Dunnam; helpful as an introduction, (from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB))
More advanced symbols (PDF)
Products from the American Printing House for the Blind:
- Music Braille Flash Cards: $74.86, shipped free matter
- Feel The Beat Music Braille Curriculum: $96.97, shipped free matter
Braille Music Resources web page; from the NFB; Topics include:
Braille and Music Technology
Education and Listservs
Braille Music Scores
Articles
Music Resources web page of the American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Dancing Dots
- GOODFEEL® Braille Music Translator
- Instruction books:
Music Braille Transcription Options
- List of NLS-certified Braille Music Transcribers (as of June 2023)
- Services from Dancing Dots
- Services from Braille Music and More
- Information on becoming an NLS-certified Music Braille transcriber
Connecting with Blind/Low vision Musicians
Music Education Network for the Visually Impaired
Maryland Bridges Helpdesk resources
- We have connections with blind musicians who offer music lessons.
- We have connections with Music Braille teachers who offer instruction.
- Please reach out so that we can connect you to these talented professionals!
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
- This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.