Focus on Music: Exploring the Musical Interests and Abilities of Blind and Partially-Sighted Children and Young People with Septo-optic Dysplasia »

Focus on Music breaks new ground. It is the first survey of its kind to explore the musicality of blind and partially-sighted children in the UK and US. Through the eyes and ears of their parents and teachers, and through the firsthand experiences of the research team, an intriguing picture emerges of a group of young people in whose lives music occupies a special place.

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1) Summary; 2) Background; 3) The Participants; 4) Parents’ Perceptions of Their Children’s Interest in Everyday Sounds and Music; 5) Parents’ Perceptions of the Importance of Music to Their Children in Different Contexts and at Particular Times; 6) The Children’s Musical Abilities: Parents’ Perceptions and Other Evidence; 7) Parents’ Accounts of the Provision of Music Education and Therapy, and Their Children’s Own Approaches to Learning; 8) Conclusion and Recommendations; Appendix 1: Case Study; Appendix 2: Excerpts From the Questionnaire; Appendix 3: Useful Organisations and Contact Details; Notes; References.