Learning

Interview: Producing Modified Stave Notation - Music

Summary: Ruth Frampton works at RNIB's transcription centre in Ivybridge, Devon. We asked her how the centre produces music in different formats for blind and partially sighted people.

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How many people work in the music transcription team?

We have a team of 16 volunteers, 4 of whom work at home, supervised by 2 members of staff.

Roughly how many pieces do you transcribe a year?

Each year we produce more as word gets out! Last year, we produced nearly 8000 large print pages, from full choral vocal scores to sheet music songs and instrumental pieces.

What happens to a piece when I send it in?

First we check the database to find out precise details of the client's preferred template. Each client has his or her own template to ensure the music is laid out in a way to suit his or her particular needs. This might include the spacing between the stave lines, the placing of dynamics or words, and even the colour paper the music is printed on. If you're a new client, we will send you a book of samples to determine what size and format is needed.

Then we check to see if the music has already been transcribed; if it has, we check which edition it is. If the music is the same, we copy and reformat into the new template.

If the music is not already available, we set up a new piece in Sibelius according to the template requested by the client. Then we assign one or more volunteers to input the music. When this is complete, we assign another volunteer to proofread and edit the music. Lastly, a member of staff will make one final check before printing on the colour of paper requested.

The music is then bound and dispatched. We then archive the music on the computer ready for the next person who requests that particular piece.

If the music was for a new client, we ring them after a few days to check that the template meets their needs.

Have there been any pieces which have presented particular difficulties for transcribing?

The Associated Board "Music Theory in Practice" workbooks have stretched our technical expertise with Sibelius to the limit!

Do you have a particular favourite piece of music you have transcribed?

I have a soft spot for Handel's Messiah. It was the first full choral score we achieved and saw the start of our "See to Sing" library.

Do you have any opportunities for volunteers who would like to help transcribe music?

Yes, indeed, if you can read music and are familiar with a music software programme, preferably Sibelius. Volunteers come to the office to use the computers here to input music or, if you have a copy of Sibelius at home, you can work from home and communicate with the centre by email. We'd love to hear from you!

More information

Please contact Ruth Frampton for further information by telephone on 01752 69 00 92 or by email at ruth.frampton@rnib.org.uk

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Content author: mas@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13