A Guide to "Sight Reading" and Music Memorization for the Blind Instrumentalist
 
I take my seat to begin youth orchestra rehearsal at the UMass Lowel Summer Music Camp. I am horrified to realize that I have to memorize six symphonic
pieces in just five days with a performance following. I listen intently to the principle players and other third trumpeters. I am last chair, but I am
okay with this, because last chair players have an extremely important job! Our job is to play strong and cover the notes that the principle players and
the others in our section miss. As I listen, I make every attempt to memorize the melodic passages and pay careful attention to the rests in between passages.
I feel overwhelmed following rehearsal, but I relax. I listen to recordings throughout the week of the entire ensemble playing the pieces our orchestra
will be performing. I made sure to acquire these recordings before attending. After a few rehearsals, I manage to get the notes and rhythms under my fingers.
As the concert day draws closer, I become more confident about my playing, due to my practice time listening to and imitating the recordings. Concert day
quickly approaches and I take the stage. I feel more confident than ever. I know I have the notes under my fingers and I know what to expect from the conductor.
The performance is spectacular with much audience response. It was the greatest experience as a trumpet player I have ever had. I came to the understanding
that I don't have to see the conductor or be able to sight read. I just knew my role as a trumpet player.
 
As blind or visually impaired instrumentalists, we all experience self doubt at one time or another. This period of time can cause moments of depression
or even loss of motivation to continue playing. It is during these times that we must listen the most. To practice as a blind musician is to listen constantly
to the music we will be performing and to feel the notes under our fingers. Whether you are practicing scales or preparing orchestral excerpts, always
remember to feel the notes. Hear the note before you play. Keep the pitch in your mind as you put the horn to your lips. When feeling self doubt, be sure
to think about your goals. Write down a list of things you want to improve on as a musician. For example: Higher range, faster memorization of braille
or recorded music, and improve scale accuracy. During these times, listen to recordings of artists you strive to sound like.
 
When preparing music for a performance, try to either get a recording of the piece or record the other musicians as they are reading through it first rehearsal.
This will make it much easier for your next rehearsal. If rehearsal is the next day, take some time with no distractions to listen to the specific recording
that you know will be the hardest to memorize, then go on to the easier ones. Continue listening to these recordings while you are doing other things
outside of practice sessions like reading, before sleep, or any other time you're not practicing. This will allow your subconscious to memorize the melodic
phrases of the piece. It is in your practice session that you polish the parts of the pieces.
It is often difficult to acquire braille music in a limited time period. In this case, you must dissect the pieces note by note. This process might seem
overwhelming at first, but just remember to breathe and relax. Take it one step at a time. Start with the repetitive passages. For example: if you know
that in measure one there are three eighth note triplets on a C, and in measure nine there is the same rhythm and note value, memorize these passages before
the tricky passages. If you play a wind instrument, be sure to understand the fingerings for each note. My recommendation is to use middle C as your pitch
reference. This will allow you to take what you hear and put it through the horn if you don't have access to the braille music. your memorization much
smoother. Be sure to practice the pieces straight through everyday. Don't stop for mistakes, practice to perform.
 
When it finally comes time for the concert or audition, imagine you are listening to the recording or touching the braille notes. Relax and play what you
know. You know how it should sound; just let your fingers and air do the work.
 
So, you have to sight read eh? Okay, calm down. It's not as bad as it sounds. If you have to "sight read", here are a few things to consider.
1. Ask the audition committee how the process will be handled for your particular situation.
2. If they will be giving you the music in braille at the audition sight, take a few moments to feel the music under your fingers. Picture the notes on
the page when you are playing. Remember to stay relaxed. The judges want you to play the best. Their goal isn't to listen to people play horribly all day.
3. If you are asked to repeat back what is being played, listen closely and remember to remain relaxed. The more nervous you are, the less likely you will
be to remember the notes played accurately. When playing the passage back, be confident about what you play. You can't go back and do it again, so give
it all you have! The wrong note at the right time is much better than stopping in the middle. Judges will often praise you for just playing the notes you
feel. Play what feels right. Don't second guess yourself, ever!
 
I hope this helps many visually impaired musicians for years to come.