RNIB's Music Advisory Service (MAS) works with several organisations to make music with blind and partially sighted children, (and occasionally their families), and adults. This music making gives opportunities to examine particular aspects such as ways of using Braille music and Modified Stave Notation, ensemble playing based in sound rather than vision, and music as a motivator to action. Partner organisations provide the funding for the workshops and often splendid concert halls and music rooms for this work.
Our grateful thanks to all the organisations on this page for their support.
In 2009, MAS worked with the following external organisations:
The Handel House Museum
Fourth annual Composition Summer School, a five day course for blind and partially sighted students aged 16 and over, working with Duncan Macleod, the composer in residence, and the Burney Players, ensemble in residence at the Museum. Each participant wrote a piece which was premiered in a public concert at the Museum and published by RNIB.
"Inspiring Musicianship", a day for adults working in the music business as workshop leaders on community music projects. This was led by the composer in residence. A Music leader coordinator led part of the day, ensuring participants had further mainstream training to attend if they wished.
"Sounds of Handel's London", a workshop for children aged eight to twelve, led by the composer in residence, which explored the types of sounds and music Handel may have heard in the 1730s.
Please visit the Handel House Museum website for further information about exhibitions and live music, and information on signing up for their newsletter.
The Wigmore Hall
"Songs from Around the World" was a day for young children and their families, led by guitarist Jack Ross and singer Isabel Adams. Work learnt and created during the day was performed on the main stage in the afternoon.
Please visit the Wigmore Hall website for further information about concerts at this world-famous venue and other education projects.
Salvation Army Regent Hall
"Braille music Bonanza 2" was a day for young instrumentalists and singers, led by professional musicians who are all Braille music users, and who gave a lunchtime recital. This event marked a fitting end to a year of events marking the bicentenary of Louis Braille's birth.
Please visit the Salvation Army Regent Hall website for further information about their work and other events.
Goldsmiths, University of London and Dancing Dots
"Feeling Good about Goodfeel" was a practical workshop for both users of Braille music and professionals supporting students who are Braille music users, led by Bill McCann, founder and president of Dancing Dots in the USA. The workshop was covered by BBC Radio 4's In Touch, and you can download a transcript of the programme below.
Please visit the Goldsmiths, University of London website for further details about music courses and support available to blind and partially sighted students.
Please visit the Dancing Dots website for details about the range of music technology software they provide.
Soundlinks
"Braille music Bonanza 1" was a day for young musicians learning how to compose their own music in Braille and held at RNIB Judd Street. Peter Bosher of Soundlinks ran the technology part of this day.
Please visit the Soundlinks website for details of their services, including training on music technology and sound recording.
Optimusic
"Moving Music" was a day for teenagers led by Optimusic's founder, Guy Sigalov. The participants experimented with the beam technology and then created two long original compositions together, as well as several shorter pieces.
Please visit the Optimusic website for further information about making music with Optimusic, latest products and installations and education work with people with special needs.
Thomley Hall, Oxfordshire
MAS provided music sessions as part of an activity day for children with complex needs including sight loss, and their families.
Joy of Sound
MAS has joined in the musical work of this unique adult weekly workshop, including assisting in the training of workshop leaders who are blind or partially sighted.
Please visit the Joy of Sound website for more information about their workshop, training and other events.
Other events
In 2009, RNIB's Music Advisory Service also ran five musical days for children with complex needs and their families at Sunshine House School, Northwood and three sessions for children and their families at RNIB Judd Street. MAS also ran a day of music making with ACTION in Liverpool for children with complex needs and one in Manchester for nursery aged children. Finally, MAS staff led a day of Beatboxing at RNIB Loughborough College for students who were blind or partially sighted from all over England and Spain, as part of RNIB's Vacation Schemes.