A piano course designed for blind and visually impaired students. You don’t need to be able to read music; you learn by exploring the keyboard with your hands, following the audio lessons step by step.
Introduction – What is BlindPiano
BlindPiano is a method for learning to play the piano, designed specifically for blind students. The study of music and the piano is achieved through the development of musical ear and memory, supported by the analysis of pieces and an understanding of the basic principles of music.
The Blindpiano piano method for blind students is based entirely on audio tracks. Each exercise is tackled hand by hand, analysing the melodic and harmonic aspects, with a focus on hand movement and intervals. The audio tracks also analyse the fingering and rhythm of the piece.
Blind and visually impaired people can therefore also approach the piano keyboard, a musical instrument that lends itself to physical learning. The Blindpiano method is in fact based on the tactile relationship with the keyboard, as well as musicality and musical ear.
The Blindpiano method does not require the use of Braille music notation. The well-known system of writing music for the visually impaired can be a valuable aid, but it requires extensive study and in-depth learning.
With Blindpiano, the beginner immediately starts playing the piano, developing musicality and familiarity with the keyboard, whilst postponing the learning of Braille music notation to a more advanced stage of study.
Start learning piano (audio-guided)
Piano course for blind students, level one
The first piano course for the visually impaired is already online, and it’s free. It’s a beginner’s course where you can learn to recognise the position of the notes on the keyboard, play your first simple melodies with one hand at a time, and then start playing with both hands simultaneously. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy playing famous popular tunes such as ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Ode to Joy’ and many more.
The first level of the course is designed for those who have never touched a piano keyboard before; in fact, it starts from scratch.
- In the first module, you will learn to recognise the position of the notes on the keyboard.
- In the second module, you will play a simple theme with your right hand, along with a series of variations.
- In the third module, you will practise using only your left hand, playing a simple melody and its variations.
- In the fourth module, you will begin to play with both hands simultaneously
- In the fifth and final module, you will play some famous melodies: Mary Had a Little Lamb, Jingle Bells, Ode to Joy and others.
Click here to go to the Piano Course for the Visually Impaired, Level 1
Piano course for blind students, level two
In the second level of the piano course, you will work on developing hand independence, which is essential for playing the piano. The exercises are based on Ferdinand Beyer’s Op. 101, a great classic of piano teaching. You will play increasingly difficult exercises to develop your musical ear, memory, sense of rhythm and coordination.
- In the first module, you will play simple melodic lines with your right hand, whilst your left hand accompanies by playing a single note
- In the second module, you will begin to use both hands in parallel motion, that is, playing two separate melodies moving in the same direction
- In the third module, you will address progressively more difficult exercises, with your hands performing separate and independent melodies
- In the fourth module, your hands move in an increasingly independent manner, for example through imitation (playing the same melody at different times) or contrary motion (one hand ascends, the other descends)
- In the fifth module, you will play the most challenging exercises of the second course. We will also introduce tied notes and broken chord accompaniment, also known as the Alberti bass
Click here to go to the Piano Course for the Visually Impaired, Level 2
Click here to go to the purchase page for the Piano Course, Level 2
Piano course for blind students, level three
In the third level of the piano course, you will tackle more advanced challenges, continuing to improve hand independence and explore the keyboard.
- In the first module, you will explore different areas of the keyboard, starting with the treble register, then the notes just below middle C, and finally an even higher register.
- The second module is dedicated to the eighth note, known in music as a ‘quaver’. You will learn to subdivide the beat to play more complex and interesting rhythms. We will also introduce compound time, which is an alternative way of subdividing the musical rhythm.
- In the third and final module, you’ll practise moving your hand whilst playing, changing position as you go. You’ll open both hands, separating the four long fingers from the thumb, to play chords and typical accompaniment patterns with your left hand. We’ll also tackle the octave interval, which will give you even greater confidence and assurance in your movements across the piano keyboard.
Click here to go to the Piano Course for the Visually Impaired, Level 3
Click here to go to the purchase page for the Piano Course, Level 3
About me
My name is Leo Ravera and I consider myself very fortunate because my greatest passion, music, has also become my profession. Playing and teaching are two different ways of sharing my love of music and the joy of playing the piano. I have been teaching music for almost forty years, and since 2013 I have also been offering online lessons. I have created numerous video courses, which are available on my website, italianpiano.com
Blindpiano is my latest project, inspired by conversations with a blind student. Creating a teaching method designed and structured specifically for blind people is a fascinating challenge. I hope to develop simple and effective courses that can bring many people closer to music.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Piano Courses for the Visually Impaired
Of course. The most important thing when playing a musical instrument is your ear, not your eyesight.
Absolutely yes, the piano keyboard is symmetrical, so it’s not difficult to find your way around the keys, even without looking.
No, you can easily learn music by ear, without reading the notes. If you like, you can use the Braille music notation system later on. For the first few years, it’s best to focus on developing your ear and getting to know the keyboard.
The course is based on audio lessons, arranged in ascending order of difficulty. For each piece, you will be guided through 1) how to position your hands, 2) which notes to play, and 3) the fingering to use. You will be able to learn the piece by ear, but with the correct technical movements.
The first level of the course is free, so you can explore the piano keyboard and see if music is for you. Subsequent levels are available for a fee. There are no subscriptions to sign up for: you pay for the course you’re interested in just once, and it’s yours permanently.
No, you don’t need to enter your credit card details or any other payment method. The lessons are open to everyone and can be accessed straight away, without the need to register.
The piano courses and the entire website are designed for blind users. If you find anything on the site that is not entirely clear or user-friendly, please let us know, and we will ensure it is fully accessible.
Once purchased, the piano courses for the visually impaired are yours to keep forever, with no expiry date. You can listen to them as often as you like.
Of course, I’m here to help with any questions you might have about the courses, whether you already play and don’t know which course to start with, or if you need some advice on your musical studies. Drop me a line via the ‘Contact’ page on the website, or send me a WhatsApp message.