[musictlk] introduction and a question

[Linda Mentink]

Hi Chris,

Welcome.

I can tell you that the biggest advantage to learning the braille 
music code is that you don't have to guess at dynamics, length of 
notes, accents, staccatos, bowings, and the like.  Recordings can be 
helpful for interpretation.  You'll really have to work at learning 
the code, and may be frustrated because it will seem to take longer 
to learn a piece.  But using the music will be way more 
accurate.  Don't give up on it this time.  The longer you wait to 
learn it, the harder it will be to convince yourself that it's what 
you need to do.  It's not hard, especailly because you're reading a 
single line.  Double stops are written as intervals, and the bowing 
would be in the music where necessary, of course.

I created a one-page braille chart of the basics, but the bowing 
signs are not included.  I'd have to look them up, and could put them 
in for you and send it to you, if that would be helpful.  Write me 
off list if you're interested, and give me your snail mail 
address.  Or I can send it to you as an attachment, if you have an 
embosser or a note taker with a braille display.

Blessings,

Linda