Solfeggio Training for the Blind: An Approach with Ableton Live Software
Fabrizzio Alphonsus Alves de Melo Nunes Soares, Isabela Figueiredo Vaz, Cristiane B. R. Ferreira · 2025
This paper presents an accessible method for solfège instruction tailored to blind and visually impaired students, using the Ableton Live software. The proposed approach allows users to create custom MIDI instruments by recording the spoken names of musical notes, which are then mapped onto MIDI files to replace traditional note sounds. This personalized method promotes greater familiarity with musical notation and supports the development of music reading skills without relying on visual cues. The process involves converting sheet music into a MIDI file, identifying the main octave, recording the note pronunciations, and assigning them to a sampler in Ableton Live. Once configured, the customized instrument enables real-time auditory feedback as the notes are played, facilitating a more inclusive and autonomous learning experience. This approach addresses common barriers in traditional solfège instruction for blind learners, such as limited access to accessible materials and the visual nature of many teaching methods, by leveraging audio-based interaction and widely available digital tools.