RNIB Music Advisory Service

Download from www.rnib.org.uk/music

October 2014

Automated Braille music translation

This document contains basic information about automated braille
music translation software and online tools. Whilst we make every
effort to ensure the contents are up-to-date, we recommend you
visit the relevant websites and contact the suppliers for specific
information about latest releases, compatibility and accessibility
with your preferred access technology.

Pros and cons of Automated braille music

translation
Speed of access
The development of automated braille music translation software
has allowed faster and potentially more independent access to
printed and electronic music scores for blind musicians as an
alternative to using a braille music transcriber or taking dictation
from a sighted musician.

Cost
There is a distinction to be made between commercial Braille
music translation packages and online tools. the cost of software
can in part be set against the cost of using a transcriber, reader or
amanuensis. The cost of commercial software may reflect
additional support in person or via telephone or email,
comprehensive help materials and regular fixes and updates.

Required technical expertise

Although the process of converting electronic music scores into
braille is relatively straightforward, basic computer knowledge and
competence is required to become fluent in this process. Many
users find it is helpful to include some expert training to get started
which should be factored into the cost of any solution. the online
tools require only the ability to use the internet competently. A
Braille editor is optional in both cases, but strongly recommended.

RNIB supporting people with sight loss

RNIB charity numbers 226227, SC039316 and 1109

Quality of results
Automated braille music translation packages convert from
electronic scores. These can be obtained in two ways:
from scans of hard copy print music scores or
from electronic scores downloaded from the internet.
Music scanning and recognition software is increasingly accurate,
however sighted assistance is usually necessary to edit the
resulting electronic file to ensure it is consistent with the original
before translating into braille. Whilst there is much out-of-copyright
music freely available on the internet, this can be difficult to find
and quality can vary. Finally, automated braille music translation
software can only be as good as the file it translates.

Flexibility
Electronic braille music files offer the blind musician the option of
reading music scores via an electronic braille device such as a
notetaker or braille display connected to a computer.

Automated Braille music translation packages

Goodfeel from Dancing Dots
Goodfeel is a package of three programs:
Sharpeye music scanning and recognition software;
Lime music editor with Lime Aloud scripts for JAWS screen
reader
Goodfeel braille music translator.
This combination enables blind musicians to:
Scan/import, edit and translate hard copy print music into braille
music.
notate their own compositions or arrangements via a midi
keyboard or the computer keyboard, and produce print and
braille music independently
convert electronic music files from Sibelius, Finale or other
notation packages into braille using musicXML.
You can download a demo version of the software from the
Dancing Dots website, and there is an email discussion group for

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users of the software. Goodfeel is available in the UK from TechnoVision Systems LTD.

Freedots
Freedots, developed by Mario Lang, is a project to develop a free
tool to convert MusicXML into braille music. MusicXML is an open
standard for sharing and distributing electronic sheet music
compatible with many music notation editors. The project is
currently not being developed, however it is still possible to use the
Freedots tool by visiting the MusicXML to Braille music
converter. BrailleMUSE (Braille Music Support Environment)
The BrailleMUSE project is led by Professor Dr. Toshiyuki Gotoh of
Yokohama National University in Japan. A free trial of the server is
permitted under conditions set out on the website. The server
converts MusicXML to Braille music and allows the Braille score to
be configured according to the user's preferences.

Funding
Financial assistance for the purchase of music technology and
training may be available. Visit our music awards and funding page
for further details.
Last updated: October 2014

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