Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Analyzing Aural Scores’ Effectiveness and Impact on the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community’s Musical Interpretation
Publication Date
Spring 2022
College
Music and Performing Arts, College of
Department
Music, School of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Clare Sher Ling Eng, Ph.D., LLB
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Analyzing Aural Scores’ Effectiveness and Impact on the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community’s Musical Interpretation
Nick Wright and Abby Foley
Faculty Advisor: Clare Sher Ling Eng, Ph.D., LLB
This project spreads awareness about a new way to help d/Deaf individuals interpret music. The authors describe the challenges of musical interpretation on d/deaf individuals. Due to a lack of alternatives for d/Deaf individuals in music education, many feel withdrawn or disconnected to music. The outreach community of this project was Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a non-profit organization specializing in helping individuals and families through hearing services and education.
This project defines aural scores and uses them to offer visual cues to help d/Deaf individuals interpret music. Each symbol, color, or marking on an aural score denotes a specific kinesthetic sound, which can be easily visualized by people who are hard of hearing. Using visually kinesthetic aspects recorded in an aural score, the d/Deaf community would be able to interpret and experience music. This would create a more inclusive-listening community as we strive to find an alternative way for d/Deaf persons to engage with music in a hearing world.
Recommended Citation
Foley, Abigail; Wright, Nick; and Wilson, Aireal, "Analyzing Aural Scores’ Effectiveness and Impact on the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community’s Musical Interpretation" (2022). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 105.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/105
