Vision Through Music®: Expanding Access to Music for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

At our pediatric ophthalmology practice in Southeast Michigan, we’re proud to support Vision Through Music®, a national initiative from the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS, in partnership with the Academy of Music for the Blind (AMB).

Lisa Bohra, MD — who is deeply passionate about both music and helping children with vision challenges — is so excited about this program which helps visually impaired children discover their musical potential while improving confidence, social interaction, and academic performance.

Why Music Matters for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

Early-blind children often exhibit natural musicality. With the right instruction, many can become skilled musicians. Yet, families frequently struggle to find music teachers who feel equipped to teach students who are blind or partially sighted. Vision Through Music® bridges that gap by:

• Connecting families with accessible music resources

• Encouraging and training teachers to confidently work with visually impaired students

• Offering virtual shadowing experiences through the Academy of Music for the Blind

What’s in the Program

Music teachers new to working with blind students can experience firsthand the joy and impact of teaching visually impaired children. Through online courses, you’ll:

• Shadow AMB teachers during live lessons

• Learn adaptive strategies and teaching tools

• Help visually impaired students access music in meaningful and empowering ways

How to Get Involved

Are you a music teacher, therapist, or educator in Michigan—or anywhere—interested in learning more?
Enroll in the Vision Through Music® course by contacting:
📧 contact@visionthroughmusic.org

Video and Learning Resources

To help both families and educators, we’ve compiled some of the top resources used in Vision Through Music®:

Children with visual impairments discover joy, confidence, and connection through accessible music education.

🔗 Teaching and Piano Instruction

• Teaching Strategies for First-Year Blind Pianist in 30 Minutes – David Pinto
• Planning Piano Lessons for Your First Blind Student – David Goldstein
• Keyboard Orientation Lessons – David Pinto
• Identifying & Playing Piano Keys – David Pinto
• Legato Fingering Techniques – David Pinto

🔗 Music Theory & Technology

• MuseScore Accessibility Part 4: Music Theory & Ear Training – David Pinto
• Harmonizing a Song in MuseScore – David Pinto
• MuseScore 4 Accessibility Tutorials – Marc Sabatella

🔗 Braille Music & Literacy

• Braille Music Pitches and Rhythms – Bill McCann
• Basic Music Notation Chart (Braille Ready Format) – Richard Taesch
• First Music Reading Class Levels 1 & 2 (BRF Files) – Richard Taesch
• Reading Rainbow Interview at AMB – David Pinto
• The Literacy Movement – Richard Taesch
• Teaching for Tomorrow – Richard Taesch
• 7 Little Steps – Richard Taesch
• The Blind Student’s College Survival Guide – Richard Taesch

Additional Insight and Advocacy

• Complete Resource List PDF – David Goldstein
• Vision Through Music® Portal and FAQ for Students
• Vision Through Music® Portal and FAQ for Novice Music Teachers
• Vision Through Music® Portal and FAQ for Experienced Music Teachers
• Video: Music Education for Blind Youth: Joys and Rewards
• Video: Teaching Music and Performing Arts to Blind Youth

Our Commitment

As a leading pediatric eye care practice, we are committed to nurturing not only children’s vision but also their potential. Programs like Vision Through Music® reflect our values: supporting families, empowering children, and encouraging the broader community to engage in accessible, inclusive learning.

🎵 Help Us Expand the Reach of Vision Through Music®

Your support can help bring the joy and power of music to more blind and visually impaired children in Michigan and beyond. With your donation, we can increase access to adapted music instruction, train more teachers, and give young students the tools they need to thrive—academically, socially, and creatively.

Every contribution, big or small, helps build a more inclusive and enriching future. Thank you for helping us turn vision loss into a symphony of possibilities.

👉 To make a tax-deductible donation, visit Children’s Eye Foundation Vision Through Music®.