I began teaching a legally blind student a couple weeks ago, and since he has SOME vision abilities I tried teaching him from a visual standpoint, but I have realized it is too difficult for him to read music from an inch away. I need to teach him from an aural perspective, and luckily he has a great ear. He has picked out several melodies already on his own. I do not have experience teaching by ear, and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to teach this student, or some resources I can use?

-- Angela Wolfgang (AWolfgang@shsd.k12.pa.us), November 15, 2002

Answers

Angela ~ I am not a teacher (just a student), but I wonder if you were to contact "Recording for the Blind and Dislexic" if they would have any advice for you.

RFB&D records textbooks and the like for visually impared learners, and they might have a music book on tape or disk - you would be amazed at the types of books they record! I do not have the phone number right here for the national headquarters in Princeton, NJ, but you might try the web, or contacting a local studio if there is one near you.

Or, I believe there is a national organization for the blind. They might give you a lead, also.

I sure wish you luck, and good luck to your courageous student, too!

Shirley

-- Shirley Gibson (sacgibson@juno.com), November 26, 2002.

Angela ~ "Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic" Sorry!

-- Shirley Gibson (sacgibson@juno.com), November 26, 2002.

As a music therapist, we are specifically trained to teach disabled individuals or those with specific impairments. I would contact the National Association for Music Therapy to find a music therapist in your area. It would be impossible for me to "teach" you all there is to know about working with a blind student, however, you may be able to consult with a music therapist in your area for some assistance.

-- Marianne Ashton (asthonrg@netzero.net), February 17, 2005.