Introduction
This page contains basic information about automated braille music translation software. Whilst we make every effort to ensure the contents of this page are up-to-date, we recommend you visit the relevant websites and contact the suppliers for specific information about latest releases, compatibility and accessibility with your preferred access technology.
Pros and cons of Automated braille music translation
Speed of access
The development of automated braille music translation software has allowed faster and potentially more independent access to printed and electronic music scores for blind musicians as an alternative to using a braille music transcriber or taking dictation from a sighted musician.
Cost
The significant time, effort and expertise involved in this development is represented in the cost of these packages. However, this cost can in part be set against the cost of using a transcriber, reader or amanuensis.
Required technical expertise
Although the process of converting electronic music scores into braille is straightforward, basic computer knowledge and competence is required to become a fluent user. Many users find it is helpful to include some expert training to get started.
Quality of results
Automated braille music translation packages convert from electronic scores. These can be created in two ways:
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from scans of hard copy print music scores
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from electronic scores downloaded from the internet.
Music scanning and recognition software is increasingly accurate, however sighted assistance is necessary to edit the resulting electronic file to ensure it is consistent with the original before translating into braille.
Whilst there is much out-of-copyright music freely available on the internet, this can be difficult to find and quality can vary. Finally, automated braille music translation software can only be as good as the file it translates.
Flexibility
Electronic braille music files offer the blind musician the option of reading music scores via an electronic braille device such as a notetaker or braille display connected to a computer.
Toccata
Toccata is a braille music transcription package produced by Pentronics and Optek Systems, which has a NIFF and MIDI import facility. Toccata has its own integrated music editor, and you can view both the music editor and a translated braille file through a split screen option.
Once the file has been translated into braille, you can edit the file using a six-key braille edit function, if you're familiar with the braille music system. Optek Systems has also produced a low vision version of Toccata called Magni-CCata, a package designed for musicians and music students with low vision who cannot read ordinary printed music scores, or who have difficulty maintaining focus on the notes to be played.
Magni-CCata is included free with every Toccata purchase. It can be run stand-alone if required. Optek Systems also distribute SharpEye 2.
You can download demo versions of both Toccata and Magni-CCata from Optec Systems.
Contact email terryk@mpx.com.au
Goodfeel
Goodfeel is a package of three programs:
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Sharpeye music scanning and recognition software
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Lime music editor with Lime Aloud scripts for JAWS
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Goodfeel braille music translator.
This combination enables blind musicians to:
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scan, edit and translate hard copy print music into braille music
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notate their own compositions or arrangements via a midi keyboard or the computer keyboard, and produce print and braille music independently
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convert electronic music files from Sibelius, Finale or other notation package into braille using music xml music interchange format.
You can download a demo version of the software from Dancing Dots, and there is an email discussion group for users of the software.
Freedots
Freedots, developed by Mario Lang, is a project to develop a free tool to convert MusicXML into braille music. MusicXML is an open standard for sharing and distributing electronic sheet music compatible with many music notation editors.
The project is in its infancy, and anyone wishing to contribute in any way is invited to contact the developer Mario Lang via the website. The Freedots online user guide for Freedots gives an overview of braille music and instructions on using the tool and the conversion process into braille music.
Funding
Financial assistance for the purchase of music technology and training may be available. Visit our music awards and funding page for further details.