I am both blind and yet very dedicated to music. I am one of the few that continued to play the recorder after we learned from a music teacher in elementary school. I play quite well and play advanced pieces. My problem is that I would like to join an ensamble and play either recorder or clarinet. I play quite well on both.

I was wondering if this was really dumb to even bother thinking of or if I should try and see what they say. I hope you guys can help me. i just do not want to go and see someone about it and just have them turn me down right away because I am blind. What do you guys think?

no way (wo?)man thats a great idea! If your heart is in music and you like it that much then stick with it! The only problem I can see is....if your blind....how do you read the music?...infact...how are you reading this?

Annette,

The ability to speak, read, and write the languge of music is a gift shared by few people. To do so without the ability of sight is even more challenging, and I think it`s very honourable of you that you`re continuing on despite this fact.

I recently went to a choral recital, and I later found out that one of the sopranos was blind as well. I honestly could not tell, either - she was a very virtuosic singer. I know your situation is slightly different, but I believe you could have the same luck getting into an advanced ensemble as well.

Many universities have special aid programs specifically designed to help people like you - I know mine does. My father is paralyzed, and he is taking a Latin course at my provincial university next fall. I`m sure your local university would have something like this in the fine arts department.

Lastly, I have a few questions for you:

Being blind, how do you interpret the music without being able to see it? Do you just associate a certain pitch with a fingering? I take it having perfect pitch would greatly aid you in this.

What school grade are you in? I`m assuming you`re junior high or greater, since you play clarinet.

Where do you live? You could get someone to do some research on a university near you, and find out about its special aid programs.

Finally, how do you interpret the text on the screen? Do you have a program which reads it for you?

In conclusion, I would like to commend you for continuing on in music, despite your greater difficulties interpreting it. Society is starting to recognize the abilities of the physically and mentally handicapped, and I believe that if you become good enough on your chosen instruments, that being blind will hardly ever get in the way of your musicality. Keep playing, and good luck!

Thomas

I think you should try, definately. If you are a good enough musician, then they should definately make accomodations for your blindness. You`re not losing anything by trying. the best thing to do would be to speak personally with the conductor of the ensemble, explain your needs and find out what they can do to help you. Good luck anyway.

I know a couple of people have asked how do I read what is on the computer and how do I interpret the music. For the computer there are a number of programs that can read what is on the monitor. For the reading and interpreting of music, there are some pieces of music that you can get in braille form but I find it very difficult to work with because it is like just looking at a piece of music and taking in as much as you can and then trying to play it from memory. Usually for school I can have someone that plays the same part play it for me a couple of times while I try to figure it out and then memorize it. Of course with that I have a lot of friends and a very dedicated instructor to help me.

I currently live in eastern PA and am a senior in high school. I hope there is a University that has a program like that that I can go to for help because I would love to continue with music after high school.

GO FOR IT. Do whatever you want with your talent, cause if ya have it, there is no sense in wasting it. you should use your gift to help people see that just cause your blind doesn`t mean you don`t have music in your heart that you want to share with the world.

Annette,

For more than one reason I believe in blind musicians. While I was in the military I regularly attended services at First Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska where the organist was blind, and his expressions through those keyboards sent chills down people`s spines and brought tears to their eyes. Thinking of him, a few blind people who excelled in the music world also come to mind. Their names are Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Jose Feliciano. If anyone denies you a position in and ensemble because of your handicap, I hope you politley remind them of that before you leave.

I admire you for your determination, and for becoming an accomplished musician on more than one instrument. If you can perform a piece of music from memory after hearing it just a few times, you have a tremendous gift from God that should be exercised at every opportunity. May He bless and keep you in all your efforts.

Don`t give up on the music, You can do it.

Wow that`s impressive, I`ve always wondered how people like Stevie Wonder have managed to learn music theory etc. Keep at it!

i say go for it. universities are required by law to make accomidations. do not give up on what you love to do for any reason. also, i would think you have a better ear than most people and that would give you an advantage over many. there are plenty of good musicians that can`t read a note of music, but if you play a part for them they can learn it instantly. if you are not there yet, just keep working, i`m sure you will be soon enough.