I teach 2 partially sighted brothers (age 10 and 12) the piano and have found it most rewarding watching them each progress in their own special ways. They are both able to read music, with varying degress of difficulty and follow standard Tutor books, as well as playing well known tunes by ear. They enjoy playing and can recognise and appreciate their own achievements. I'd very much appreciate any help and words of advice from anybody else who has had similar experience. Thanks.

Hi, if you haven't already done so, I'd recommend contacting the RNIB music advisor. I taught a blind student from grade 5 to post grade 8 and used them mainly for help in getting hold of exam materials-but well worth contacting them for general advice on teaching materials.

Hi, i am a registered visually impaired person myself. I always had most of my music enlarged to A3 size and found this helped me greatly, however once you get to the higher grades the large sheets can be difficult to manage (I had 3 music stands set in a row in my grade 8 flute exam). Encourage them to continue to learn by ear aswell as reading the music or to look at the music and then memorise the notes.

If they visit a low vision clinic regularly tell them to ask their doctor if there is any aids that might be able to help them. I did this shortly after moving to contact lenses where I lost a lot of magnification that glasses gave me and found reading music even more difficult. I was put in touch with a specialist and she went through various aids with me from frames with magnifying lenses in them to plastic sheets that magnified the page slightly. I was very impressed with what was available and they helped me greatly. It's also very important that the lighting where they practice is suitable as this can make a huge difference.

Hope this helps

Matt

Hi and thanks very much for this advice. I apologise for not replying sooner - end of year reports, etc!!! I shall certainly contact the RNIB for material. I often make up easier versions of well known music, so that it lies easily under their fingers and is therefore easier to play. The younger brother is about to take his Preparatory Test this week and is very excited about it. He learnt the exercises off by heart without any difficulty and can play Jogalong and Car Chase really well. He is very musical and a joy to teach. I am anxious to find the right material - you'll never guess what I have to rearrange for him as his prize for working so hard on his Prep Test?! None other than JAWS! He's desperate to play it - watch this space! I have no doubt we will manage a great rendition ourselves!


Hi Matt - many thanks for this advice. I apologise for not replying sooner. I have magnified the music for the younger brother and he likes my comments to be written in blue ink, not pencil. The older brother prefers to hold the music up close, read it and then memorise it as quickly as possible. He really does have a marvellous memory! They are already quite good at playing by ear and this is something I will try to develop as well. I must say, I never thought about the lighting being adequate, a very valuable point - thanks.