MR. BLINDBANDIT / RESOURCE

Screen readers and music work

How screen-reader users can structure research, communication and production tasks.

Choose compatible tools

Accessibility varies between operating systems, audio applications and plug-ins. Test essential workflows before purchasing or committing to a platform.

Build command knowledge

Keyboard commands and custom shortcuts can turn complex repeated actions into dependable workflows.

Document the session

Track tempo, key, versions, contributors, plug-ins and export settings in a plain-text session note that remains easy to search.

Ask for specific access

When a control is unlabeled, report the product version, screen reader, operating system and exact blocked action to the developer.

Take the next step

Accessibility resources ↗ Resource center

Getting started

If you are new to making music with a screen reader, these steps come from the same habits Mr. Blindbandit uses:

Learn your screen reader well first. VoiceOver is built into Apple devices; NVDA is free for Windows; JAWS is a paid Windows option. Fluency with the screen reader matters more than which audio app you choose.
Test before you buy. Try a trial or free version with your screen reader and check that you can record, edit, move between tracks and export without sighted help.
Keep a plain-text note for each project with tempo, key, versions, collaborators and export settings.
Join communities of blind musicians and producers. Other screen-reader users are often the fastest source of practical shortcuts and workarounds.
Report inaccessible controls to the developer with your screen reader, operating system, app version and the exact action that failed. Clear reports get fixed.

For file habits that make screen-reader work easier, see accessible studio practices. For the bigger picture, read What the Internet Sounds Like When You Can’t See It.

Remember that accessibility can change with updates. Before updating your audio app or operating system in the middle of a project, check that the new version still works with your screen reader.