Hi all,
As part of my work as a musician and music therapist, I undertake workshops in schools talking to the children about how I cope in everyday life as a blind person. I show them some of the aids I use to help me in everyday life, such as braille books, scanners, braille watches, and games. One child said, 'I liked it when the machine beeped.' after using the liquid level indicator.
Also, the children got the chance to write their names in Braille.
Here is what they said:
'I learnt how to write my name in Braille and using the white stick.'
'I had a go at the white stick, it was hard to walk around.'
I followed this with a music workshop where I did some improvisation with the children. I undertake two main improvisations - one with their eyes open and one with their eyes closed. The improvisation with their eyes closed meant the children could concentrate on the sound, texture of the instrument and the general atmosphere rather than the visual element. This gave them the opportunity to use their imagination without the distraction of the visual elements. The other part of the workshop consisted of a keyboard improvisation, where I invite one or two children individually to the front of the class. I show them a few notes of the C major scale where they can create a short improvised melody. In turn, I support them by playing the chords and the bass line on the piano. Then, the rest of the group can clap in the rhythm. One child said, 'I had fun playing the keyboard with Carl!'
This helps with their general confidence and in terms of playing in front of an audience. Finally, we finished the workshop with a group songwriting.
Here are some of the children's comments about the music improvisations:
'I liked it when we copied each other playing the instruments.'
'I had a go on all your instruments. I liked the piano and the guitar.'
I hope this type of work might inspire other visually impaired people.
Get in Touch
Red Rose School,
Cardiff
I learnt how to write my name in Braille and using the white stick.
Red Rose School,
Cardiff
I had fun playing the keyboard with Carl!
Red Rose School,
Cardiff
I had a go on all your instruments. I liked the piano and the guitar.
Your assembly and workshop were an inspiration to us all. Your musical talent and warm manner with the children shone and the children were in awe of your commitment to music. Thank you from us all, Carl!
Teacher at St Werburgh’s Primary
Ravenswood School, Nailsea
Interesting learning about a blind person.
Made me realize blind people need more support.
He’s cool!
Ravenswood School, Nailsea
He’s really good at music.
I liked everything today.
He’s really good at singing and playing the guitar.
Ravenswood School, Nailsea
It’s interesting how quickly he can read using Braille.
I loved the scanner he does his post with.
He’s so much fun.
Avanti Gardens School
At the end of the session, a child said: ”That was the best workshop I've been on.”
Avanti Gardens School
Walking out of the music workshop, one child said: ”This is such a cool workshop. I really loved the Braille.”
Elmlea Junior School
I play the guitar but I don’t think I could play as well as you”. “You are a good player & singer.
Piano improvisation with a child who previously found it difficult to connect with music.
Bristol, UK
Elmlea Junior School
You showed us some cool things.
Elmea Junior School
It’s incredible that you can play so many instruments without being able to see.
Elmlea Junior School
You are amazing, and the assembly was interesting.
Avanti Gardens School
A boy in my class left the workshop saying it was the best workshop he has ever done! They loved being able to ask questions so openly to find out more about Carls life so thank him for bringing in his accessibility equipment (the scanner, watch and water detector) as they were really interested in it.
Teacher
Avanti Gardens School
Children from across the school really benefitted from Carl’s workshops and assembly. They developed a deep understanding of how Carl lives as a blind person and how he overcomes various challenges. They developed an understanding of how to support blind people whom they may encounter in life and learnt how they would support themselves if they were blind. Teacher
Avanti Gardens School
The music workshops gave the children a wonderful new perspective on music, learning how to improvise without the use of sight. They all showed a great enthusiasm throughout the workshops. Carl was incredibly professional throughout and engaged wonderfully with all the children. We look forward to having him visit again.
Teacher
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School
I think everyone really enjoyed the music therapy workshop yesterday, especially the second part when we got to play instruments and make our own song. Teacher
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School
I would like to point out that X was amazing, getting involved in activities and asking relevant questions. X was just so interested and curious and showed great effort about everything; it was great to see. Carl showing us the Braille alphabet and other equipment that he uses was very interesting. Teacher
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School
Some children said it was "inspirational, I want to be a singer, and I'm partially sighted". X said, "Awesome; it was fun using the instruments. I was also able to experience what it might be like using a cane."
Volunteers come up to experience pouring a drink using a liquid level indicator helped by Larisa, Carl's Music Therapy Assistant.
St Werburgh’s Primary
Thank you – you’re really talented!
You showed us what it is possible to do - you were aspirational!
Your piano and guitar playing was amazing.
St Werburgh’s Primary
When we closed our eyes and listened to the music we were much more immersive as it heightened our other senses.
St Werburgh’s Primary
It was really good to experience what life and music is like for blind people.
Delivering disability awareness talks at Rotary clubs and roundtables has provided me with a unique perspective on my work, as demonstrated in the following review.