Students with vision loss who seek to study music beyond primary and secondary education face a great disadvantage due to major accessibility, accommodation, and inclusivity issues. From auditions to applications and entrance exams, admissions offices at institutions of higher learning often do not know how to procure braille or large print music materials. As a result, accessible materials are not available. The Filomen D’Agostino Greenberg Music School (FMDG) has launched an initiative that will be implemented over five years to address these issues directly. RDPS grant funding supports the implementation of the first phase of this three-part project that will impact any student with vision loss entering a college, university, or conservatory seeking to pursue a career in music. It will also benefit students who take music courses or participate in vocal or instrumental ensembles while pursuing another major. During the first phase, FMDG is designing and implementing a model for potential music majors by assessing an individual student’s skill levels in braille music reading and notating and in music technology. They will also provide recommendations for the school that FMDG could assist in implementing to accommodate the student’s need. FMDG will provide tutoring in braille music and provide transcriptions for the student’s classes and lessons, as needed, and present outcomes with this model at the end of each semester. The school is also bringing together individuals from higher education in music to develop a “Best Practices Set of Guidelines” for accepting and working with music students with vision loss. Subsequent phases of the project will involve recruiting additional partners across the country and rolling out new guidelines. The anticipated outcome will have an impact on music students nationwide and help them succeed in achieving their career and recreational goals.
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