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

[Jason Castonguay]

Hi.

To add to what Yoo recommends, you might find it helpful to have a soft, supportive pillow at hand to place under your elbow. I have discovered strange issues, including carpel tunnel, when I don’t have proper support when doing a lot of reading. This is especially the case with refreshable braille.


-Jason






> On Apr 6, 2025, at 20:45, Yoo Jin Noh via Perform-Talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Elizabeth.=20
> Since I am a classical pianist, Here are ccouple tips I found helpful. =20
> #1 Better to put the hard copy of Braille score on your lap than a music sta=
> nd on the piano. I found it quite cumbersome to move my hand back and forth.=
> If possible, try to use hard copy, instead of Braille display. Reading one l=
> ine at a time is very much time consuming. If you can read Braille with both=
> hands, you can certainly take advantage of learning two lines at a time.=20=
> 
> #2 Try to stretch your arm and shoulder before and after practice sessions. R=
> egular stretching has tremendously helped me to relax my muscles. Circling a=
> nd shaking your arms certainly work too. Since I suffered from frozen should=
> er in the past, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of stretching and e=
> xercises.=20
> Hope you enjoy every minute of your practicing.=20
> 
> All the best,=20
> Yoojin=20
> 
> 
> 
>> On Apr 6, 2025, at 1:21=E2=80=AFPM, Elizabeth Sprecher via Perform-Talk <p=
> erform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> =20
>> =EF=BB=BFHi all,
>> =20
>> 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?
>> =20
>> Thanks Much,
>> Elizabeth
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--
Jason Castonguay <jcast77 at gmail.com>

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