[MusicTlk] I'm struggling and I need help

[Linda]

Hi Daniel,

I am not a Braille music teacher, but I know the code well because I majored in voice and minored in piano. I taught both for years, but not to blind studentsdd

I've never seen the materials from the National Library Service, but I could ask if they'd send to me what they send to you that so I could better help you, as in we'd both be on the same page. You already know that trying to do your coursework using your vision is time-consuming, and I believe that learning Braille music would be the best option for you in the longrun.

If I could be of any help to you, please shoot me an email, and we can talk further off list. My email address is lmentinkblegcfj at gmail.com.

Blessings,

LindaOn Jun 19, 2022 8:44 AM, Daniel Gonzales via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hello All,
>
> My name is Daniel Gonzales and I’m from North San Diego County in California. I’m a music major at my community college and I’m struggling immensely.
>
> Because I have some eyesight I tried relying on it to get me through my theory classes but it wasn’t enough and I failed them last semester. I haven’t failed a piano class but I feel like I’m barely holding on and not doing as well as I want to.
>
> I know something has to change and I can’t do this alone.
>
> Regarding the theory classes, I know that notation software like Sibelius is accessible and it’s something I’ve been using to read my scores for my piano class. So I had the idea of getting the worksheets for my theory classes transcribed to Sibelius so that I can do them on the computer. Do you guys think this is a good solution? The way I did it last semester was by using the iPad and the Apple Pencil. However, this solution relied heavily on my eyesight and made a worksheet that was supposed to take 30 minutes take 4 or 5 hours. It was easy enough to read my piano scores with Sibelius and VoiceOver because the scores weren't complex but I’m not sure if it would be useful in doing my theory homework in. Is there a resource for learning how to navigate Sibelius with Voiceover on Mac?
>
> Another solution would be to learn braille music. I’ve reached out to the National Library Service for the Blind and they will be sending me braille music instruction books soon. I know braille but I haven’t used it since 2014 and even then it was only in the context of being taught it. So I also reached out to the Braille Institute and I’m taking a normal braille class to improve my braille literacy. I asked them if they taught or knew anyone that taught braille music and they said that they didn't. Are there teachers of braille music I could reach out to?
>
> With regards to my piano class, whether I end up using braille music or Sibelius I think one of those will help me as far as reading the scores goes. However, I would still like to get more piano instruction outside of class so that I can do my best. Are there any blind pianists/instructors available to tutor me? I am more than willing to compensate them for their time.
>
> think that my best qualities are that I’m a sponge for information and I’m always willing to learn. So lastly, I would like to get connected with any blind music professionals whether they be teachers or paid musicians so that I can learn how they operate. It can feel incredibly isolating because I’m the only blind student in my Colleges music program.
>
> So far my journey in pursuing music has been unimaginably stressful and I’ve often thought on why I’m even doing it in the first place. But ultimately it comes down to not simply just a desire but a maddening need to chase the dream of greatness and self expression. I would be insane to try the same strategy  next semester and expect a different result, which is why I’m reaching out for help.
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated,
>
> Thanks,
> Daniel
>
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