How can I continue to sing in the choir if I can't read the music?

Music Resources

Persons with vision problems can continue to enjoy singing and playing a musical instrument. For a number of years, it was a popular misconception that persons who are blind succeed in music simply by the fact of their blindness. As with all arts, however, talent and practice, not vision, are key factors to success. A number of resources exist to help you pursue this recreational venue.

  • First, try having the music enlarged to 14 pt or a larger font. This can be done using a copy machine or even a computer with a scanner. Or large print sheet music can be purchased (see resources below).
  • If you have a good ear for music, just have the lyrics enlarged.
  • Ask to be repositioned in the choir grouping or musical grouping to take best advantage of lighting. This may also help to improve your view of the director or conductor.
  • Many musicians learn to play music by ear. There are a number of courses designed to teach this method. See the Bill Brown web site Music Lessons by Ear as one example.
  • Some musicians and vocalists learn to read Braille music. This can be especially helpful when mastering a new piece of music. For more information on Braille music contact the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the US Library of Congress or your local vision rehabilitation agency.
  • Remember the old adage: "How can I get to Carnegie Hall?" Practice, practice, practice!
  • Some musicians have benefited from a method called "Talking Scores". Talking scores describe the music bar by bar onto audio cassette, alternating with the soundtrack of the music. This format is particularly helpful to persons with little or no sight who cannot use large print music and who do not know music braille.For more information on "Talking Scores" see the UK link: Bill Brown's Music Lessons by Ear at the RNIB Transcription Center in Devon, England: ? Talking Scores


sheet music?

Resources

  • Music in large print is available from Library Reproduction Service
    Voice: 800-255-5002
    Fax: 310-354-2601
    Web Site: Large Print Reproductions from LRS
  • Music and Arts Center for Humanity
    National Resource Center for Blind Musicians
    510 Barnum Ane.
    Bridgeport, CT 06608
    Phone: (203) 366-3300
    Fax: (203) 368-2847
    Web Site: Music and Arts Center for Humanity
  • Music for piano and vocal in large print from
    Stephens Publishing Company
    Telephone: 1-888-714-4419
    Web site page: Large Print Sheet Music