Learning

Music technology

Summary: Accessible music software for blind and partially sighted computer users.

• Introduction
• Music scanning packages
• Automated braille music translation programs
• Scorewriting programs
• Sequencing packages
• External links

---

Introduction

Since the 1960s, computers have presented new opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in areas of employment, education and leisure. With continuing developments, people are able to access computers using synthetic speech, screen magnification software and braille displays. Music technology has a great potential to change as manufacturers become more aware of the needs of blind and partially sighted people.

Access technology - the means by which blind and partially sighted people can use computers - is a subject in itself.

In the sections below you will see references to a number of software packages. These are only examples, not a comprehensive list. Some, however, have been mentioned because of their special relevance to blind and partially sighted users.

Acronyms

• JAWS: Job Access With Speech
• MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• MRO: Music Recognition Output
• NIFF: Notation Interchange File Format
• XML: Extensible Markup Language

Music scanning packages

SharpEye

SharpEye is a music scanning and recognition program which can produce MIDI, NIFF and SharpEye’s own output files. SharpEye 2 also exports MusicXML files. The website contains information regarding the product, system requirements etc. and links to other sites including music notation programs that import SharpEye's MIDI, NIFF, MusicXML, and .mro files. It is also possible to download a demo copy of SharpEye from the site.

Contact details: SharpEye is produced by Graham Jones of Visiv. Email: support@visiv.co.uk

Automated braille music translation programs

Toccata

Toccata is a braille music transcription program 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 6-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 program 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 a stand-alone program, but it's also included free with Toccata. Optek Systems also distribute SharpEye 2.

Optek's website gives tips on how Toccata can currently be accessed by people using synthetic speech packages. It is also possible to download demo copies of Toccata and Magni-CCata from the site.

Contact details: email: terryk@mpx.com.au

GOODFEEL

GOODFEEL is a braille music translator program produced by Dancing Dots, which converts MIDI and Lime files into braille music. Dancing Dots distribute SharpEye 2, Lime, Cakewalk Pro Audio sequencing software and CakeTalking Tutorial and JAWS for Windows Scripts. The Dancing Dots Website contains information regarding GOODFEEL and related products and it is possible to order a demo copy from the site.

For more on producing braille, see our technology factfile - braille music.

• Dancing Dots email: info@dancingdots.com
• UK distributors: Techno-Vision Systems
• Email: info@techno-vision.co.uk

Scorewriting programs

These programs primarily allow users to create printed scores, they vary in price and it shouldn't be assumed will automatically work with Access Technology.

Two programs at the upper end of the price range are Finale and Sibelius. Work is underway to make Sibelius accessible using a speech program JAWS, other possibilities are being investigated regarding Finale.

Sequencing packages

Cakewalk, Sonar and Cubase, a product of Steinberg, are examples of sequencing packages. They allow users to create, edit and record music using MIDI. Input can be accomplished by use of the computer or MIDI keyboard.

To find out more about how Cakewalk and Sonar work with JAWS, see the section above on Automated braille music translation programs.

RNIB has transcribed into braille some books introducing Sequencing. For further information, please contact RNIB Customer Services on 0845 702 3153 or 01733 37 53 50.

External links

Drake Music - offers accredited BTEC course and training programmes for establishments, workshop leaders, teachers, students, carers and musicians in the use of specialist music technology designed for children and adults with disabilities. They also offer creative workshop skills and specific training on E-scape, Soundbeam, MidiGrid, MidiCreator.

Royal National College for the Blind - offers a two-year BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology.

Musicians in Focus - provides music technology assessments, advice and support for blind and partially sighted musicians, along with training and workshops for teachers and other professionals.

Soundabout - training in music education and special needs in schools and other settings.

Soundbeam - a beam for making electronic music using movement without touch.

Midigrid, Midicreator, Midigesture - beam and switch systems which copy to disc facilities. They enable you to make electronic music using movement only, or body weight, grip and other gestures. Custom made equipment is provided.

Music technology at RNIB | Music home

Content author: mas@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 31/07/2008 14:54