Braille music
Braille music is a Braille code that allows music to be notated using Braille cells so that music can be read by visually impaired musicians. The Braille music system was originally developed by Louis Braille.
Braille music uses the same six-position Braille cell as literary braille. However braille music assigns an entirely separate meaning to each braille symbol or group of symbols, different from literary braille, and has its own syntax and abbreviations. The six dots represent the pitch and rhythm of each note. The top two rows represent the pitch and the bottom row is used for rhythm.
Almost anything that can be written in standard print music notation can be written in braille music notation as well. However, braille music notation is a completely independent and well-developed notation system with its own conventions and syntax.
Over the years and in the many different countries of the world, a variety of minor differences in braille music code. Some countries have preferred a different standard for interval or staff notation, or have used different codes for various less common musical notations.
An international effort to standardise the braille music code has continued to make progress, culminating in the updates summarised in Braille Music Code 1997 and detailed in the New International Manual of Braille Music Notation.
Legislation
- Braille Music Code 1997
- World Blind Union Subcommittee on Braille Music Notation (1997) New International Manual - Braille
Acknowledgements
- Hugh, B. (n.d.) Braille music page. [accessed 18/09/08].
- RNIB Music Advisory Service (2008) Braille music. [accessed 18/09/08].
- Wikipedia (2008) Braille music. [accessed 18/09/08].
Last updated: 20.11.2009 © Copyright reserved Website design: Digital Accessibility Team