For those who are sighted and want to learn about transcribing print music into braille or teaching braille music, this course offers an introduction to the basics of braille music. It present some basic braille music symbols, as well as discusses braille music for single-melody instruments, such as violin and clarinet; voice, including choral music; and keyboard. It also discusses teaching and transcribing braille music. Note: This introductory course does not enable you to professionally transcribe print music, teach music, or teach braille.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of uncontracted braille and successful completion of "Braille Music Diagnostic."
Course: MUS-201, Media: LP, OL study guide with print textbook, Lessons: 5
Braille Music Basics
Course ID: MUS-201 and MUS-206
Audience
Family Education Program and HSPS
Course Description
Did you know that music notes can be written in braille? And that music students and performers who are blind use braille music every day? For those who are sighted and want to learn about transcribing print music into braille or teaching braille music, this course offers an introduction to the basics of braille music.
Media
large print, online study guide with print textbook.
Organization
5 lessons
Credit
3 CEUs (HSPS)
Prerequisites
- Ability to create braille manually or electronically with 40 cells per line.
- Successful completion of the Braille Music Diagnostic, which assesses your ability to read print music and to visually read and write uncontracted braille.
Grading
Letter grade A-F
Average Completion Time
2 1/2 months
Overview
Students submit five assignments
Objectives and Content
After completing Lesson 1, the student will be able to
- discuss the use and history of braille music
- identify the notes of the scale and rests in four time values, bar lines, and dotted notes
- apply single-line format, used for transcribing music written on a single staff
- explain octave marks
- recognize accidentals, time signatures, and key signatures
After completing Lesson 2, the student will be able to transcribe the following into braille music:
- literary words and letters appearing within the music
- ties and slurs
- smaller time values and grouping
- braille repeats
After completing Lesson 3, the student will be able to explain
- line-by-line format for vocal music
- the method for repeated words and phrases
- slurs in vocal music
- the format for words with chord symbols
After completing Lesson 4, the student will be able to
- explain bar-over-bar format for keyboard music
- recognize the interval chord signs
- identify symbols used for fingering and pedaling
- briefly explain in-accords
After completing Lesson 5, the student will be able to
- discuss methods for teaching braille music to students
- decide whether to pursue certification as a braille music transcriber
Course Details
