Inclusive Access to Music Education

Students who are blind or visually impaired can participate fully in general music instruction with modifications and collaboration. In most cases, the curriculum remains the same, but how students access, interact with, and express their musical understanding may differ. Key Strategies for Access:
  • Provide hands-on exploration of instruments to help students understand how sound is produced.
  • Foster auditory discrimination through listening games and exposure to varied sounds.
  • Introduce a range of musical genres and formats (live performances, recorded media, YouTube concerts, etc.) to promote music appreciation.
  • Discuss the components of musical notation, even if the student uses braille or adaptive technology, to build common language with peers and teachers.

​Collaboration Is Key

Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) should collaborate closely with the general education music teacher, ideally:
  • At the start of the school year and before new units/performances
  • To review upcoming lessons and identify accessibility needs
  • To coordinate materials (e.g., braille music, large print scores, accessible instruments)
  • To teach or troubleshoot assistive technologies or adaptive strategies

Braille Music Code

Braille music is a separate and internationally recognized code system that conveys:
  • Pitch and rhythm (notes and values)
  • Dynamics and expression marks
  • Fingering and technical instructions
Unlike print, braille music is linear, so each hand (in piano, for example) is read and learned separately. The student memorizes each hand’s part before combining them—meaning braille music learning often requires more time and repetition, especially in ensemble settings.
Teaching Considerations:
  • Start early if the student is a braille reader.
  • Introduce tactile graphics or raised-line representations of print music to familiarize the student with print music terminology used by sighted peers.
  • Encourage music memorization techniques, especially for performance.

​Practicing at Home

  • Use audio recordings or instructional YouTube videos to support independent practice.
  • Work with the music teacher to verify the correct version of songs or exercises is shared.
  • Send accessible practice materials home via digital links or flash drives when needed.

​Adaptive Techniques for Participation

  • Use nonvisual cues or tactile markers in conducting and ensemble performance (e.g., foot taps, gentle taps on shoulder, metronome cues).
  • Label instruments using braille, large print, or tactile symbols.
  • Position students to optimize access to sound sources and instructors.
  • Allow extra time for note reading, instrument setup, and memorization.

Instructional Materials

Technology & Software

  • ​Dancing Dots. Pioneering music technology company offering software, tutorials, and music production tools for blind musicians. Products include:
    • GoodFeel®: Converts print music to braille
    • Lime Aloud®: Speech-supported music composition
    • CakeTalking®: Audio production tools for JAWS users
      https://www.dancingdots.com
  • Opus Technologies. Offers accessible music learning tools, braille sheet music, and software for braille music education.
    https://www.opustech.com
  • National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Offers free braille and audio music scores and textbooks to qualified individuals.
    https://www.loc.gov/nls/music/ 
  • Music Notes and Sheet Music Plus. Offer digital music downloads that can be enlarged or converted using screen readers and OCR software (for students with low vision using mainstream technology).

Academy of Music for the Blind (AMB)

Located in Southern California, AMB is the only year‑round music and performing arts school exclusively for blind youth, ages 4–18 serving students locally in Whittier/Monrovia and remotely across the U.S.
Their programs include:
  • Instruction in piano, guitar, percussion, voice, wind instruments, ear training, braille music, composition, drama, dance, recording, computer literacy, social skills, and academic tutoring
  • Braille and print music translation support via a Braille embosser.
  • Private and weekend lessons offered online, and high school credit through public school partnerships  
  • Workshops for families and educators and an internship program for students 

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​