Abstract

The development of the Joyful Braille Music Notation 2.0 is an expanded system designed to bridge the gap between traditional braille music notation and modern piano works for blind musicians. Building on the success of Joyful Braille Music Notation 1.0, which was tailored for choral music, the researchers aimed to adapt and extend this innovative system for piano music. Initially created to address challenges faced by blind students in a piano tuning course in Malaysia, the system has evolved through a user-centred design approach. The study involved experimenting with various notation formats to improve accessibility and ease of learning contemporary piano scores. The expanded Braille music notation system includes more than the traditional six-dot cell, enabling a more intuitive and efficient way to read piano music. As a result, the Joyful Braille Music Notation 2.0 has been successfully incorporated into the curriculum for piano tuning courses for blind learners. This study highlights the impact of customised braille music notation systems in promoting greater inclusivity and accessibility in vocational education. The innovation also provides blind piano technicians with the tools to engage with and understand more complex technical repair and tuning of contemporary pianos. The Joyful Braille Music Notation 2.0 may also be evaluated for more advanced contemporary pieces for other musical instruments, further expanding its potential.