I've just received a message from my music service office saying "by the way one of your new students tomorrow morning is visually impaired" - talk about short notice! I have absolutely no experience teaching children with visual problems (although I have done some work with other disabilities) and was wondering if anybody could share their wisdom? He will have his assistant with him and I was thinking of starting aurally but i'm unsure about the way in which to move onto notation.

Sarah

A tricky situation! How old is the student? In my experience people of about 9 or above are good at telling you what they can and can't do, and what is the best way of helping them. His assistant will be able to help as well.

It may be worth contacting RNIB once you know what he may need, as they will be able to tell you if there are specific things available eg braille music writers or whatever.

Hope it goes well!

Hi Sarah,

As Windy has already asked, we would like to know the age of your student, as it would help us offer better advice to you.

On top of Windy's question, I have three questions of my own to ask:

1. How impaired is the student's vision?
2. Does the student often use large-print books in his/her other classes?
3. Are you teaching a performance ensemble, or a theoretical class (such as a music theory class, where you don't play, so some work can be delegated to homework).

I am assuming that you are teaching a performance ensemble. Personally, having known a visually impaired student in a music class at my school, you would want to offer large-print sheet music to the student. Use a photocopier and "blow up" regular-sized sheet music onto larger paper.

It will mean you will have offer a larger stand to hold the music during rehearsals.

Hope this all goes well. I am happy to hear any more questions you may have.

-Russell

Had first lesson with him this morning and just did some basic stuff. He is in reception class so i think that is 4 years old(?) Its a piano lesson on his own for 15 minutes. From todays session, he can see something if hes really up close to it - as in looking right down on the keys in order to identify them.

Sarah