Reports by blind musicians: Supporting the teaching of music for students with visual impairments

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to understand significant issues regarding access to music learning faced by blind musicians. Using semi-structured interviews, we sought to learn about their musical experiences and vocational training processes in the field. The results suggest that families play a major role in enabling initial musical development. The data also indicates that music teachers lack basic knowledge about their students with blindness’ specific needs. The article intends to reveal music learning characteristics and needs of students with visual impairments, so as to improve music teachers’ professional practice within the regular school context, as well as to discuss implications for teacher certification in university courses for future teachers of students with visual impairments.