Meeting Enlarged Print Music Needs - The IMAGE Center of Maryland

Updated as of September 7, 2024.

Scenario: Student cannot access print music efficiently. In this case, the student is a talented musician who began losing her central vision rapidly at the end of her junior year in high school.

Strategies to empower student to enlarge sheet music in real-time

Scan and magnify

Depending on the level of enlargement needed, consider whether enlargement of individual pages would meet your student’s needs.

Hard copy enlargement

This is one time I really like to use large sheets of paper, both 8.5 by 14 inch (legal size) and 11 by 17 inches (tabloid size). In addition to enlarging the print notation, consider whether adding colors (using different colored markers to highlight different notes).

Digital enlargement

Scan the print music notation and display it on a platform where the student can independently adjust the level of enlargement. Platforms may include iPads, monitors connected to laptops, etc.

Strategy: Access enlarged music materials and tools

Find out more in the Bridges Resource Library Accessible Music Tools entry.

The Lime Lighter: Music-Reading Solution for People with Low Vision

What is Lime Lighter?

Software that has special scrolling and magnification features to enable performers with low vision to read and to write music notation

Bundled with:

2-in-1 laptop-tablet PC from Dell (with Windows 10 PC)
Wireless pedal board from AirTurn

How does it work?

After you set your preferences for magnification and screen color, press the pedal to start manual scrolling mode. A focus rectangle indicates the current measure. Press the pedal to bring the next bar of music into view. Music tracks to your eye.

Alternatively, press the pedal to initiate automatic scrolling. Increase or decrease the scrolling rate with one of the four pedals.

Preparing music to be displayed

Assistance from a sighted musician may be necessary.

Lime Lighter includes music OCR software which scans print music using any standard scanner.
The Lime software imports the results of the scan and displays the music according to your preferences for magnification.
It is even possible to listen to your PC perform the music as an aid to learning your part.
A second way to get music into Lime is to import MusicXML files created by other programs. Popular notation programs like Finale and Sibelius can now export music in the form of MusicXML.
Enter music directly into Lime by typing on the PC keyboard or by playing on an electronic musical keyboard attached to your PC.

Features

Displays printed music notation using the traditional five-line staff.

Read magnified music hands-free; scroll the score using the pedal.

Zoom level of 1 to 10.

Markup your music on the screen using your finger, the wireless mouse or with the special stylus.

Practice option: play along while Lime Lighter automatically scrolls & play the piece at your desired tempo. Easily disable the playback feature anytime.

Optionally use third-party magnification software to read text in The Lime Lighter’s program menus and dialogs or to modify the foreground and background colors of the music.

Composers and arrangers can use The Lime Lighter to enter, revise, and print out their musical ideas. That is, you can both read and write your music in an accessible environment.

Call Dancing Dots at 610 783-6692 to discuss your requirements for magnifying print music. If you are ready to order now, you may order online below.

Request a timed evaluation version of Lime Lighter software

Complete the online form at Request a Timed Evaluation Version to request your free, evaluation version of the Lime Lighter software.

You will also the option to schedule a no-cost, 30-minute orientation session with a trainer from Dancing Dots who can walk you through the operation of the software via an online, screen-sharing connection.

Which model of Lime Lighter is best for me?

All models include:

Lime music notation software
Wireless pedal board
Option to invert video and even display each of the 7 notes of the scale in a different color.

Lime Lighter Leggiero

$2,995 (+ Shipping $60 – Use Lime Lighter U.S. shipping method)

Includes 17.3-inch, 2-in-1, multi-touch screen tablet/laptop PC; Full HD touch display

Weighs 6.2 pounds; About one inch thick
Runs on A. C. power or for at least 3 hours on an internal, rechargeable battery.
Mounts easily on a sturdy music stand or keyboard rack.
Run as conventional laptop or fold screen over to run as a Windows touch tablet PC.

4-switch wireless pedal board

Software included:

Lime software with custom music magnification and mark up features
SharpEye Music Reader: music OCR software for scanning scores to be read with The Lime Lighter

Support from Dancing Dots

Dancing Dots will install and configure all software, including (on request) any screen reader or third-party magnification programs, before shipping the unit to you.
Option to have Dancing Dots prepare up to 5 pages of your print music collection to be ready to read with your Lime Lighter on delivery. Offer expires 45 days after shipping date.
Two-hour remote training and orientation consultation with Dancing Dots after you take delivery. We connect by phone and, with your permission, to your Lime Lighter via internet connection.
30-Day Return Policy. Returns subject to a restocking fee.

Optional carrying case for the Leggiero model only.

Case holds your Lime Lighter PC, its power supply, and 4-switch pedal board with room to spare.
Our online Price: $75

Lime Lighter Liberty

Order now. $1,595 Software only available by electronic delivery.

Run Lime Lighter software using the computer and monitor of your choice.

Use on any PC. Touch capability and screen of minimum diagonal width of 17 inches (43 centimeters) recommended.

Wireless 4-switch pedal board