Basic Theory of Music: BLBI “Abiyoso” Concern about Music Literacy with Persons with Visual Sensory Disabilities

Writer :

Iin Saputri

Editor :

Intan Qonita N

Translator :

Karlina Irsalyana

CIMAHI (March 15, 2022) - Music is the most universal language in the world. Everyone likes music, of course with different tastes in musical genres. Since birth, humans have been introduced to music, at least through the mother's soft hums and pats when she wants to sleep her baby. If you pay close attention, the sound of animals is rhythmic.

The specialty of music does not end there. Music also has a calming and healing effect. It is not surprising that music is used as a therapeutic medium (musical therapy). Some people feel more comfortable studying and working when they hear music or songs around them. Some people are easier to fall asleep when accompanied by soft tones and rhythms.

Music can also be an encouragement, for example in sports competitions, military activities, or in civil ceremonies. Every country is required to have a national anthem. Music is also almost always a part of religious activities, even every religion, whether we realize it or not, has a distinctive musical characteristic. We often find surgery rooms in hospitals decorated with music/songs so that both doctors and patients can be calmer in dealing with surgical procedures.

Music also promises income for those who pursue it professionally. No wonder so many people choose music as a source of income. Persons with visual sensory disabilities are no exception. The music profession is almost always the main choice for many blind people in Indonesia. Whether as a musician, vocalist, or both at once. Not infrequently those who even have their private recording studio, musical instrument rental business, also become music teachers in various institutions.

Despite being awarded an extraordinary musical quality, apparently, there is one thing that still often becomes an obstacle for most musicians with visual sensory disabilities. None other than the limited number of books that contain knowledge of braille notation. Therefore, it is natural that there are still many blind musicians who do not understand how to write and read sheet music.

The Indonesian Braille Literacy Center (BLBI) "Abiyoso" Cimahi is well aware of this. As a literacy service institution for people with disabilities, this institution took the initiative to publish a book entitled 'Basic Theory of Music' in braille format in 2017. This book explains tones, how to compose them into a song, and last but not least, the introduction of symbols for braille music notation, which is one of the features of braille writing.

"To recognize and understand the symbols of musical notation, the blind people cannot rely on audio or digital formats. Such symbols can only be identified by the blind through touch. By knowing their shape, the blind can read and write them," said Hendra Kusuma as author of Basic Theory of Music.

This book, said Hendra, was made to help blind musicians to have musical literacy.

“At the very least, by mastering Braille musical notation, they can record their work so that they can be remembered. We can use technology to save our work, but if for example our device suddenly runs out of power or an error, we don't need to panic, just read the braille version," said the professional blind musician from Cirebon.

Furthermore, Hendra explained that sheet music is very important to be read by blind musicians before playing music.

“Never mind the blind, even the non-blind still really need to read scores before playing music, either just practicing or performing on stages, even though they can play while reading. Well, especially blind. They can never do that (play music while reading sheet music). Therefore, the ability to read and write braille musical notation is very necessary for a blind musician to be able to compose and memorize the sheet music before performing," said Hendra.

The Book of Basic Music Theory was printed in two braille volumes and became one of the most popular books among the recipients of the BLBI "Abiyoso". So it is natural that over the years, this book has been reprinted to meet the increasing demands of the beneficiaries. Not only Basic Music Theory Books, but BLBI "Abiyoso" also provides other braille books which are certainly useful for the blind.

"Hopefully, this book can continue to spread and sow benefits for persons with visual sensory disabilities wherever they are. Likewise with BLBI "Abiyoso" so that they can continue to present quality books that are relevant to the needs of the community, especially persons with disabilities," said Hendra.

2022-03-16
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