Making Music Available for Everyone with Music Braille Stickers

The transcription of sheet music to braille can be a lengthy and complicated endeavor. With a limited number of music braille certified transcribers throughout the United States, the experience can be costly and has an unpredictable turnaround time depending on the complexity of the music, length of the piece, and availability of the transcriber. The process can make it difficult for students who are blind or low vision to get involved with music in school, at home, and in their community. With Music Braille Stickers, anyone, regardless of musical knowledge or braille literacy, can instantly translate a piece of music.  

About Music Braille Stickers 

Music Braille Stickers are clear adhesive stickers which include braille formations for notes, rests, time signatures, and other music notation. They can be applied to music worksheets, sheet music, instruments, or other items for classroom activities or individual learning. The stickers are clear, ensuring you can see the printed notes and symbols underneath. The product is sorted into columns, each labeled in large print at the top of each sheet. “Music braille stickers are intended to make music braille translation quicker and faster for parents and students. Anyone who is interested in transcribing print to braille,” said APH Product Manager, Laura Zierer.  

The “parent product” includes a kit with two replaceable packs: notes & rests, and additional symbols. With the initial pack, you receive 25 total sheets of stickers. Pages 1-16 feature notes and rests, while the remaining pages include additional symbols, such as time signatures, sharps, ties, and more. From there, users are able to re-order the individual replaceable packs as the need arises.  

Making Music Accessible  

The design of these stickers reflects a dedication to putting music in the hands of anyone, at any time. For parents and teachers, Music Braille Stickers simplify the process of transcription regardless of access to a transcriber, TVI, or someone with the knowledge of music braille. The labeled columns allow for users to simply locate the note or symbol and place the clear sticker directly on top. Once the stickers have all been placed, teachers and students can still easily view the notes underneath, making it a tool for accessible education alongside classroom collaboration.  

For students who are blind or low vision, exploration of music and the arts is not always encouraged due to roadblocks with access. Music Braille Stickers aims to bridge that gap. “Music literacy is part of literacy. Music is fun! It enhances learning and cognition. These adhesive braille stickers help make music education accessible to braille-learning and braille-reading students,” said Zierer. 

Field testers felt empowered in their ability to independently complete music assignments, develop flashcards, and simply read through a piece. Teachers noted how convenient it was to have pre-made stickers at the ready. The product was enjoyed by students who are blind and low vision along with their sighted peers. “This is going to save teachers a lot of time, and make resources accessible a lot sooner,” said Zierer.  

Bring the joy of music and creative expression to your student’s life in a new and exciting way this school year with Music Braille Stickers, available now on the APH website!