[Perform-Talk] Pain related to reading Braille Music at the aPiano

[Ella Yu]

Hi Elizabeth, I do read music braille and play piano, violin, and viola all
to a relatively high level though not at all professionally (I'll admit I
haven't really played piano much lately for personal motivation reasons,
that's a whole other story). What I can point out are a few factors to
consider that might help others give you more relevant advice.

By the sounds of it, you have the braille music books on the piano's music
rack, right? I'll admit personally that for convenience reasons I read all
of my braille music on an electronic braille display that sits in my lap
and is worn over my shoulder, so I reach down to look at music instead of
up. I am well aware that since piano music is two parallels instead of one
that hard copy braille can be advantageous in ways not necessary for single
line instruments, but at the same time, reading piano music on a one-line
display is not at all insurmountable either for me. Also, is your piano an
upright or grand? I don't get to play on a grand often, and since my home
piano is an upright, the music rack tends to be lower than what is commonly
found on grand pianos. If I'm going to guess, I'm going to assume that you
regularly practice on a grand piano with hard copy braille music on the
rack, right? If so, this can definitely be the most challenging situation
ergonomically, and sadly I don't have personal experience with this because
my setup is just too different. Lastly, I would be mindful of how you carry
yourself in general when you're at the piano, as you may be tensing your
neck and shoulders unintentionally even if you don't feel like you are.

Beyond this, I unfortunately don't have any more to offer. I hope someone
else has more useful advice.

On Sun, Apr 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM Elizabeth Sprecher via Perform-Talk <
perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I'm asking about this particularly for pianists who have had a lot of
> experience reading braille music.
> I'm curious what solutions you might have for some finger fatigue for
> reading the music and switching back to the piano. I've found a solution
> that helps a little, having a music stand closer to my hight, so I'm not
> reaching up all the time. also, how can I relax my arms in the process. I
> also have small hands.
> If you're not a pianist, please don't respond to this. I really need ideas
> from pianists.
> Are there things I can be aware of physically so I don't end up injuring
> myself in some other way in addition to playing hard repertoire? also I'm
> noticing shifts in how uncomfortable my shoulders are.
> I don't have anyone to help with recordings and they sometimes relieve
> fatigue in my arms and shoulders.
> Has anyone thought of this with some strategies?
>
> Thanks Much,
> Elizabeth
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