Select an age-appropriate teaching strategy for the student. Teaching music to a visually impaired student is similar in a number of ways to teaching sighted students. Teaching music to young children is different than teaching music to older children or adults.
Determine the musical goals and aspirations of the student. Part of the music teacher's job is to motivate and inspire the student, but it is also important to be sensitive to the needs of the student. Older children and adults may have particular musical goals. Some students may desire to study classical music, so they will want to be able to read musical notation. Others may be more interested in folk or popular music; many of these musicians can learn to play their instruments by ear without learning to read standard musical notation.
Teach the student music fundamentals and technique through ear training and imitation. People who are visually impaired rely on tactile sensations as an essential supplement to finding their way around. The sense of touch and hearing are two essential traits that musicians, sighted as well as visually impaired, rely on in playing their instruments. It is not uncommon to watch soloists playing with their eyes closed. Divide the instrument into segments, for example, the first three frets of the guitar or one octave on a piano keyboard. Play the notes on your instrument and have the student repeat the notes on his instrument. Teach the student basic patterns, such as scales and chords.
Teach the student to read standard musical notation with the use of Braille music. Numerous programs, computer technology and software are available that translate standard musical notation into Braille music for the visually impaired student. A good resource is the National Resource Center For Blind Musicians. The ability to read and write music opens up many possibilities for musicians. Software is available that translates music into a written form.