Sound Cells: Rendering Visual and Braille Music in the Browser

Abstract

Many blind musicians and composers read and write music using braille. Yet, braille music is not as widely available as print (visual) music, sighted collaborators and educators do not read braille music, and workflows and toolchains for converting between print and braille music are complex. In this research, we present Sound Cells, a music notation system that simultaneously outputs visual and braille notation, and provides audio feedback as a user writes music with text. We share findings from a Design Probe in which two experienced blind musicians notated music using Sound Cells and reflected on it in the context of their current notation practices. Finally, we highlight music navigation and outputted score customization as opportunities for further study.