Braille Music: an Overview May 22, 2014

Presented by Sharon Nichols, TVI, Outreach Consultant

TSBVI Visually Impaired Outreach Programs

sharonnichols@tsbvi.edu

Developed for Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Outreach Programs
TETN # 20444 Braille Music: an Overview

Why Braille Music

• What is Unique to Braille Music

• What is Lost with Audio Recording

• Basic Braille Music Samples

• Braille Music Production (Teacher)

• Braille Music Production (Student)

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Why Braille Music

• Literacy

• Watch the new Braille Music video from NFB.org

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With Braille Music you Can:

• continually go back and practice particular measures and entire scores

• refer to specific musical attributes in the braille music

• interpret the musical notation not the sound of someone else interpreting that notation 
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What Audio Lacks

• exact rhythms, articulations, etc. as the composer wrote it

• notes and note values

• rests

• dynamics

• fingerings

• words (rehearsal marks)

• pedal markings

• lyrics and their positioning in the music

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Representation of Braille Music

• Linear
• Information is presented before the note
o Key Signatures
o Tempo
o Octaves
o Sharps and Flats
o Other (Forte, Stacatto)
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Solfège

The first system of functional names for the musical notes was the beginning syllables of the first six
musical lines of the Latin hymn Ut queant laxis.
• The original sequence was Ut Re Mi Fa Sol La
• Today we know them as: Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do
! !
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!
-tbnqmf!-tdpsf! ! $b!
tpqsbnp!
=$c3!
$en!?ng#t/p!nt!&s\x!nAdedfek!
#jf/pd&@!f#j@AdejxAd!kgt(Ad!!
#j@kn!e#f/@Adej+xAd!xj&it!u+@;!!
#i?q#k\AdjdkjiAd!idghf#uAd!!
#ki\?ng/pAd!fk@rAd!hf%?g#\/;Ad!!
/fk@#^x!t;]Ad!idgh/f#qAd!gdft]!!
?q#tv!nnn!?ng#t/q!nt!=!&s\x!!
/nAdedfek!\ww\Ad!!
?e#jdekjkd?5#ji&h!?q#]x%&^!!
#](g&@(#j!;(+h%(/e!#^(j](/g!!
#\(e+x(/i!?g(&/n;%Ad!!
/g&e;Ad;(g!hg]Adidhgf!!
&/ej/;Adfk+@Ad!@x?q#\w!$en!!
?g/qt!rp!&n;%!rAdhdihg!!
/;(%&@{>!?e#uAdkk?5#ji!ru!!
#t(?ng/%Ad!gd&efghf]Ad!
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Note Names

Note names are shown in the upper four dots of the cell. Do not let yourself think of the literary
equivalents of these note names. Louis Braille did not call notes by letter names. He called them ut,
re, mi, fa, sol, la, si , and it wasn't important to him that the same signs , in another context, stood for
letters of the alphabet.
C d
D e
E f
F g
G h
A i
B j
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Single Line Melody

E E I G F J HIHG FEE

Figure 1 Five bars of music in 4/4 time:

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Note Time Values

Figure 2 As the "Notes" section of the music braille chart above indicates, a single symbol
shows both the pitch and the rhythmic length of a note. For instance, dots 1,4,5 indicate an
eighth note C.
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Simple Scale with Note Values

c d e f g a b

Figure 3 Simple scale in braille with notes values: c d e f g a b.

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Key and Time Signatures

Following the braille number sign, the upper number of the time signature is shown by the appropriate
number in the upper half of the cell. The lower number of the signature is shown by a lower-cell
numeral (without another number sign) immediately following. (If the lower number is a 4, it may look
to you at first as if it were a period. Likewise, if it is an 8, you might mistake it for a question mark.)
This example reads 2 sharps in 4/4 time.

!
&&$E5/

Figure 4 Key and time signature with corresponding notation

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More Key and Time Signature

For example, a key signature with 7 sharps would begin with the braille number sign followed by the
upper-cell 7, followed by the sharp sign. The time signature would then be another number sign
followed by the 12 with a dropped eight.
It would be read as "seven sharps in the key signature and 12 over 8 as the time signature.“
$H&$BC9
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Measures

Measures are separated by blank cells representing the bar lines.

&&$E5!;!P\H!QW!]JI^G[
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Dotted Notes

A print dot that increases a note’s value by one-half is shown by braille dot 3 in the next cell after the
note.

Dotted half: !!n2

Figure 5 Picture of dotted half with code

Dotted quarter: @2

Figure 6 Picture of a dotted quarter with code:

Dotted eighth: !e2

Figure 7 Picture of dotted eighth with code

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Single Line with Dotted Notes

&&$E5-!
;!P\(H!Q(W!]JI^G([![

Figure 8 Five bars of music with the code:

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Ending Double Bar

The heavy double bar that signals the end of the music in print is represented by the two-cell sign
(126, 13)

=L!
Figure 9 Picture of ending double bar with code.
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Ending Double Bar

The beginning of a musical score is the number of the first measure at the margin, followed by a
blank cell. If, as in this case, the first measure is not a full measure, the measure is given the number
zero.

!&&$e5-!!

$k!;!p\(h!q(x!]ji^g({!{=l !

Figure 10 Five bars of music with the code

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Octaves
Braille music does not include staves (5 lines and 4 spaces) or clef signs as shown below. Print music
notation is graphical, in vertical and horizontal space. An octave sign designates the note’s specific
place in the full range of pitches.
The braille octave marks are all right-cell signs

! AO!! _O!! `O!! #O!! /O!! <O!! -O!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Figure 11 A picture showing octaves with the codes for 7 octaves.

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Rests
The braille signs for rests are as follows:

N!
V!
W!
Y!
n

Figure 12 Chart showing types of notes and rest symbols with corresponding code: whole
note = M, half note =U, quarter note = V, eighth note = X, sixteenth note = m.
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Rests in Music

-HFOUMZ5!$E=$G9!
$b! #J/GEEKE!F(*I\(!JE#HHGH!IHIJIH!%(WY
$i! N!#J/FEEKE!FEK/GFE!F(*I/GF#I!
J('E\(=L

Figure 13 Picture of 10 bars of music with 4 lines of code: !

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Symbols of Articulations

A staccato , is represented by dots (236) 9

and an accent , by dots (46, 236) /9!

!

-HFOUMZ5!$E=$G9
$B!#J/GEEKE!F(*I\(!J9E9#HH+GH!I&HIJI+H-!#%(WY!N!
$H!9#J9/F9E/9EKE!/9FEK/9/GFE!F(*I/GF#I-!bne!#J(9'9E/9\(=L!

Figure 14 Picture of 10 bars of music with 5 lines of code:!

TETN # 20444 Braille Music: an Overview

Piano

-BOEBOUF!8JO!$C85!`D

$B! /?#%(F@;!#%%Q!#;;P!#%]S!#%(F@;!#%%%%!
! `?#OU!`TS!`R&R!`]\x]!#O`Q!`SO!
$h! /?#;;%;!#O(W=L!
`?`^&^]+^!`%;@W=L

Figure 15 Picture of 8 bars of music for piano showing treble and bass clef lines followed by 5
lines of code: !
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Dynamics

Figure 16 Two tables showing the name of the dynamic, common symbol, and braille notation.
Includes crescendo, descrscendo, abbreviated crescendo, abbreviated decrescendo, messo-
forte, messo-piano, piano, and pianissimo.
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Example with Expression Markings

Figure 17 Picture of music with expression markings and corresponding braille.

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Example with Slurs

Figure 18 Picture of music with slurs and corresponding braille.

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Example with Repeats and Brackets

Figure 19 Picture of music showing repeats and brackets with corresponding braille.
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Very Simple Song

If You’re Happy and You Know It

=$e5!
ee!hhhhhhgh!]wwee

Figure 20 Picture of first 3 bars of "If Your Happy and You Know It" with 2 lines of code:
TETN # 20444 Braille Music: an Overview

Teacher Creation of Braille Music

• Perkins Braille Writer

• Mountbatten Braille Writer

• Braille Translation Software (6 key entry)

• Goodfeel Suite from Dancing Dots Software

o www.dancingdots.com 
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Goodfeel Suite

• SharpEye – Music OCR software

• LimeAloud – Accessible Music Notation software

• Goodfeel – Print Notation to Braille software 

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SharpEye Picture Scan 

Figure 21 Screenshot of 4 bars of the song, Jack and Jill, as seen via SharpEye Picture Scan.
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SharpEye OCR

Figure 22 Screenshot of the music notation for Jack and Jill as seen via SharpEye OCR
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Export to Lime Aloud

Figure 23 Screenshot of the song, Jack and Jill, exporting to Lime Aloud.
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Lime Aloud to Goodfeel Braille Editor

Figure 24 Screenshot showing Lime Aloud exporting to Braille Editor.

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Copied from Goodfeel Braille Editor to Duxbury

Figure 25 Screenshot showing result of export from Goodfeel Braille Editor to Duxbury.
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Student Creation of Music

• Lime Aloud with JAWS

• Print or Braille

• Braille Display

• PC Keyboard

• MIDI Keyboard

• http://www.dancingdots.com/prodesc/limealoud.htm
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Braille Music Resources

NLS
The special music collection consists of more than 30,000 braille and large-print music scores, texts,
and instructional recordings about music and musicians on cassette. Some items are purchased from
national and international commercial sources. Other materials are selected and produced in braille
and audio formats by NLS, with permission of composers, authors, and publishers. Also, some titles
are originally developed for the NLS program. The collection includes materials from elementary to
advanced levels. http://nlscatalog.loc.gov
A growing number of braille music scores is available in an electronic format via the Internet. The
music files can be browsed online or downloaded for later reading or embossing. A list of available
titles is on the web www.loc.gov/nls/braille/musiclst.html, and there is a link to each music file from its
record in the online catalog.

BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Downloadable Books and
Magazines, in audio format. https://nlsbard.loc.gov/cgi-bin/nlsbardprod/index.cgi
TETN # 20444 Braille Music: an Overview

Hadley School for the Blind

Learn the fundamentals of the braille music code. For beginning musicians as well as accomplished
professionals, being able to read music in braille expands their ability to learn and appreciate music
independently. After completing this course, students will be able to read single-line music.
Prerequisites: Strong contracted braille reading and writing skills, some musical background, and
access to an acoustic or digital piano.
Course: MUS-101, Media: B with an audio component, Lessons:14
http://www.hadley.edu/ShowCourseDetail.asp?courseid=MUS-101

Braille Music Course

Course for teachers of Braille music at UMASS Boston.
http://www.nercve.umb.edu/index.php?page=080326

National Federation of the Blind

National Federation of the Blind Musicians Listserv
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/musictlk
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Music Education Network for the Visually Impaired (MENVI)

MENVI is a coalition of parents, educators and students. Operated by blind musicians and teachers
for blind musicians and their teachers, MENVI is an information network and resource. Music
Education Network for the Visually Impaired (MENVI)
Southern California Conservatory of Music MENVI Headquarters 8711 Sunland Boulevard Sun
Valley, CA 91352
Phone: (818) 767-6554 Fax: (818) 768-6242 Website: http://www.menvi.org/

National Resource Center for Blind Musicians

Articles, lists of resources, and information about summer training in Braille music and technology for
blind music students Website: http://www.blindmusicstudent.org

National Braille Association, Inc.

NBA maintains a collection of braille music in addition to their other services. See their website for
pricing information or to order a free catalogue. National Braille Association, Inc. Three Townline
Circle
Rochester, NY 14623-2513 Phone: (716) 427-8660 Fax: (716) 427-0263 Website:
http://www.nationalbraille.org/
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Braille through Remote Learning (BRL)

They have the 1997 braille music code online http://www.brl.org/music

BrailleM electronic mailing list

BrailleM is a place for discussing and learning about all aspects of braille music code. The list is
designed to help beginners in Braille music and give them a place where they can ask questions of
more experienced braille music users. http://brenthugh.com/braillem/

Music and Arts Center for the Handicapped (MACH)

This organization holds an annual Summer Institute for Blind College-bound Musicians. They also
have a National Resource Center that you can contact with questions about braille music or music
technology and they provide workshops and basic music technology training to teachers and college
students throughout New England.
Music and Arts Center for the Handicapped (MACH) National Resource Center for Blind
Musicians 600 University Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06601
Phone: (203) 366-3300 Fax: (203) 368-2847
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Dancing Dots
Software company that has developed "Goodfeel," a program that transcribes certain types of music
notation files, including midi files, into braille music.
Dancing Dots 1754 Quarry Lane P.O. Box 927 Valley Forge, PA 19482-0927 Phone: 610 783-
6692 Fax: 610 783-6732 Website: http://www.dancingdots.com

LIME AID: A Study Guide to the Lime Music Editor and the Lime Aloud Scripts for JAWS By
David Simpson
In his LIME AID, David Simpson provides a simple, step-by-step introduction to how to use the Lime
music notation editor with the Lime Aloud JAWS scripts to produce scores in both standard print
music notation and in braille music notation. The book guides students through the basics of creating
and reviewing scores using the accessible Lime notation software and producing braille editions of
their work with the GOODFEEL Braille Music Translator. Available from dancingdots.com

Dictionary of Braille Music Signs, Bettye Krolick. 1979

Music Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of
Congress Washington, DC 20542 Phone: (202) 707-5100 and (800) 424-8567
Fax: (202) 707-0712 TTY/TTD: (710) 822-1969 E-mail: nlsm@loc.gov
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Print Music Symbols and Tactile Graphics By Lois Krantz

Published by The National Braille Association In one braille volume, 13 braille pages Blind musicians
read music braille. However, it is important that blind musicians understand how printed music
appears. This book is a valuable resource for blind musicians who need to understand how printed
music symbols appear to sighted teachers, colleagues or students. Although it is not intended as a
comprehensive list of all conventional music symbols, it contains raised line graphics of common clef
signs, notes of varying rhythms, stem signs and rests.
You can call NBA toll-free to order: 1-800-244-5797 $5 for individuals, $10.75 for organizations Visa
& MasterCard accepted
National Braille Association 3 Townline Circle, Rochester, NY 14623-2513 Tel: 585-427-8260 FAX
585-427-0263 Web Site: www.nationalbraille.org

Braille Music Transcriptionsfor Guitarist

The files listed below are available for FREE download and use. The music is from publications in the
Public Domain, my own arrangements, or arrangements by others with their permission. The source
for each is identified.http://www.ctdcreations.com/braille/transcriptions.html

Online Braille Music Code 1997

This is a parked website in that it is no longer updated but it has excellent information.
http://www.brl.org/music/index.html
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BMC Tutorial
A basic introduction to braille music code with examples in braille, visual notation and as sound files.
You can touch, view, and hear them. http://bmc.branchable.com/tutorial/

Braille Sheet Music

The Braille Sheet Music is a non-profit project to provide opportunity for visually impaired musicians
around the world to read and study music, rather than learning by ears.Here, musicians can
download various Braille sheet music for FREE and/or request a printed copy to be sent worldwide.
http://braillesheetmusic.com/index.php

Tack-tiles
An interesting system for learning braille, they have a music code set available Tack-Tiles P.O. Box
475 Plaistow, NH 03865-0475
Tel. (603) 382-1904 Fax (603) 382-1748 Website: http://www.tack-tiles.com
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Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Outreach Programs

Figure 2: TSBVI logo.

Figure 3: IDEAs that Work logo and disclaimer