[nabs-l] music databases and streaming music services

[Ignasi Cambra]

Hello Ashley,
A lot of the time accessibility to streaming services is way better on mobile devices or via the web than by using desktop applications. Spotify does have an “accessible” mode in their application for OS X, but it’s basically an HTML interface that doesn’t work well at all. The Spotify iOS app is certainly accessible and you will be able to use both the free and paid services. As far as I know the most accessible streaming service out of the box is Apple Music: the music app on iOS works great with VoiceOver, and desktop access to Apple Music is provided via iTunes, which is also completely accessible. I have used both Spotify and Apple Music for quite some time, and from an accessibility standpoint I would say Apple Music is a better option as long as you are willing to pay for it. I am currently using the Qobuz Sublime streaming service, which is way more expensive but offers much greater sound quality. Qobuz is very accessible on the iPhone, and also offers an accessible web player. On my Mac I use it via the Audirvana app, which is also accessible. I am not sure if Qobuz is available in the United States yet though.
Hope this helps!

IC
> On 7 Dec 2016, at 06:30, Ashley Bramlett via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> Although I listen to a regular radio, I’m interested in other music services which I can access online. This might give me greater control over what I hear and when I hear it. Unfortunately though, most services seem either inaccessible or semi accessible to screen readers. Naxos music library and American song which is under the Alexander Street Press databases are not accessible. I don’t believe the streaming service spotify is real accessible. I have a pandora account now and that seemed semi accessible. I’m able to log in and find the search field to type in a station or song, but its difficult to change stations as the links do not show up as links to jaws.
> 
> So, I’m still searching.
> What databases, either open source or subscription based, are accessible? If it’s a database with subscriber access, I could probably go to a nearby public university to hear it or use a public library if they have it. For instance, Dc public library has several Alexander street database subscriptions, but those don’t seem accessible. Also, Alexandria public library has freegal music database, but I don’t know if its usable yet; I’ll try it.
> 
> What online services are accessible and what is the cost, if any? Has Rapsody improved its access?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Ashley
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