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
• Audio and MIDI Sequencing Packages
• External links

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Introduction

Music technology has great potential to change as manufacturers become more aware of the needs of blind and partially sighted people. You can find out more about access technology in general, and in the sections below you will see references to a number of software packages

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

This is a package of three programs,

• Sharpeye music scanning and recognition software
• Lime music editor with Lime Aloud scripts for JAWS
• Goodfeel Braille music translator

This combination enables blind musicians to:

• scan, edit and translate hard copy print music into Braille music
• notate their own compositions or arrangements via a midi keyboard or the computer keyboard and produce print and Braille music independently
• Convert electronic music files from Sibelius, Finale or other notation package into Braille using music xml music interchange format

• It is possible to download a demo version of the software from the Dancing Dots website, and there is an email discussion group for users of the software.

Scorewriting programs

These programs are used primarily for producing printed scores. Musical notes can be entered either using a midi keyboard or the mouse or computer keyboard .

Examples of score-writing programs include Lime (mentioned above), Finale and Sibelius, by far the most commonly used in the UK.

Accessibility

Lime can be used with JAWS using the Lime Aloud scripts for JAWS which are produced by Dancing Dots. It also works well with the main magnification packages.

Sibelius version 5.2 can be used with JAWS using the Sibelius Access scripts, available from Music Access.

Sibelius version 3 can be used withSibelius Speaking, a set of scripts for JAWS produced by Dancing Dots.

Sibelius can be used with magnification software, but we strongly recommend checking the compatibility of your access technology before purchasing. For more advice, please contact the Music Advisory Service by email to mas@rnib.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7391 2273.

Audio and MIDI Sequencing Packages

These are software packages that are used to record edit and manipulate Audio and MIDI using a computer. There are many of these on the market, but currently the most accessible package for screen reader users is Sonar by Cakewalk. Sonar version 8 is accessible with JAWS using either CakeTalking from Dancing Dots or J-Sonar.

There are other multi channel audio and MIDI sequencer packages that are accessible. For more information please contact mailto:mas@rnib.org.uk.

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.

Dancing Dots

Producers of Goodfeel, Sibelius Speaking scripts for JAWS for use with Sibelius version 3 and Cake Talking for Sonar.

Music Access

Producers of Sibelius Access scripts for JAWS for use with Sibelius version 5.

Sibelius

Producers of Sibelius.

Rocordare

Producers of the Dolet XML plug in for Sibelius and Finale which allow files produced using these programs to be exported as music XML and read in other packages, including Lime.

Soundabout

Training in music education and special needs in schools and other settings.

Soundbeam

A beam for making electronic music using movement without touch.

Optimusic

OptiMusic is a unique audio-visual system that is played by interacting with coloured light beams - any movement within the beams triggers a sound or displays an image. Its versatility enables it to be used as a musical instrument, an interactive story telling device, an effective communication tool and an invaluable teaching aid.

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.

Toccata

A braille music transcription program produced by Pentronics and Optek Systems, which has a NIFF and MIDI import facility.

Music technology at RNIB | Music home

Content author: mas@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 17/02/2009 12:52