Wilkommen, Bienvenue, Ben Venuti, and WELCOME. THIS is MY WORLD!, where vision is painted through the magic of sound and imagination! As a person with total, congenital blindness, I’ve come to know this world firsthand, where the powers of music, dialogue, and storytelling are ALWAYS FRONT AND CENTER! This is a world where a single note, a carefully-placed sound effect, a passionate aria, or a show-stopping musical number can transport you to places unseen, where plots thicken, emotions come alive, and stories unfold in the mind’s eye. It is a world where mispronunciation of a single vowel or consonant can mean the difference between a flawless performance and a (comical) disaster. It is a world where all of my passions converge—classical and Broadway performance, immersive audio, and advocating for the rights, needs, interests, and capabilities of artists who lack the physical sense of sight—the ability to see with their eyes. A classically-trained soprano with a flare for comedy and melodrama, I’ve been tickling the ivories since before most kids could tie their shoes. I was four years old when I discovered my aunt’s upright piano and what magical sounds could be made when more than one key was pressed together. After a few rudimentary lessons using the Suzuki Method, I began studying with Dr. Janne E. Irvine, who is also totally blind. Under her tutelage, I was able to learn more of the essential musical skils, such as counting; dynamics; tempi; programming for a concert; talking about music; and how to hear and analyze melodies, harmonies, and subdivided rhythms. I learned several pieces in the standard classical repertoire and played them in competitions and special performances at local retirement and assisted living communities. By age 13, I had discovered that I could sing well and that I didn’t really need to be “taught.” But don’t think I quit piano! … I dove headfirst into the world of musical theatre, opera, and art song, honing my skills as a collaborative pianist, vocalist, and musical director for various productions. I even dabbled in audio engineering and theatrical sound design, channeling my inner Disney geek to create immersive audio experiences that’ll make you forget that you actually live in the real world. I mean, come on! Who needs the sense of sight when you’ve got music, dialogue, sound effects, and imagination!? Music is a language too, and when combined with other spoken languages, the result is nothing short of MAGICAL. In May 2016, while on a concert tour of Paris and Angers, France with a prominent men’s choir as the Soprano Soloist, several of the French actually asked ME if I spoke English! … DUH! I’m an American! … All joking aside, their intent was to say that they understood EVERY WORD I SANG, because I had worked extensively on mastering the inflection and pronunciation of the French language (known as DICTION). In essence, I was able to SOUND like I spoke French, when I actually didn’t. Apart from these endeavors, my other passion is advocating for the rights, needs, interests, and capabilities of those who are blind or visually impaired. With the exception of three years at a school for the blind, my K-12 and post-secondary education, private study, and subsequent employment, has taken place alongside my sighted peers. After a deceade and a half of navigating the challenges of ableism in the workplace and academia, I realized that the traditional employment structures were NOT designed with people like me in mind. So, in 2024, I decided to take matters into my own hands, something I’ve had to do countless times even when faced with ramifications. Frustrated but determined, I decided to create a business that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, storytelling, and being SAFELY challenged in a virtual or in-person setting. Having survived both the BME and MM degree programs in music education from a public university (and a Ph.D. in progress), I understand the trials and tribulations that come with this, from the perspective of the student, the faculty, and the resources available to support them. Since my experiences were less than ideal, I don’t want any others to “suffer” like I didddI’VE had quite a few opportunities to provide consultation and one-on-one instruction in the Braille Music Code, which will be essential for any student on this academic path. Recognizing the complexities of its use in different settings and the scarcity of experts in this field, I’m honored to be one of only one hundred individuals with a deep understanding of this vital tool. Through my work consulting and coaching blind students, sighted music teachers, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI’s), I’ve gained invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within braille music education, as well as music learning in general. This has inspired me to develop innovative, effective teaching methods that cater to the specific needs of these musicians, breaking down barriers and opening doors in the world of music. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that musical development should be accessible, engaging, and designed to work with the natural processes of the human brain and emotions. By integrating concepts like Universal Design Pedagogy; Human-compatible and Brain-compatible Learning; Total Physical Response; and Project-based, arts-based, and brain-based learning; I’ve created a unique approach that benefits all students, regardless of their abilities. A classrom environment like this would all but eliminate the need for one-on-one assistance by a paraprofessional, due to the strategic use of groupings, peer partnering, discussion, questioning, and other related classroom management techniques. Students will not only develop essential musical skills naturally, but also experience enhanced cognitive growth, creativity, and problem-solving. BUT WAIT! THERE’s MORE! … My approach also prioritizes emotional well-being, resilience, and a growth mindset. [Enter the theme from “Mission Impossible”]. Think of it as Musical Skills: Mission Impossible. Yes I will challenge you initially, but I’ve got your back! If a challenge proves to be insurmountable, we will regroup, retool, and come back with a vengeance! [end theme] SO, … whether you’re a student of any age looking to improve your musical prowess, or a music educator seeking new techniques and ways of thinking about the language of music, I’m here to “take you by the hand” and collaborate with you on your unique journey. While my availability for one-on-ones may fluctuate with the rhythm of the academic calendar and the requirments of my doctoral work, I’m always available to answer your questions via email, text, or phone call, and even on my blog (coming soon!) Again, my site is a work in progress. Thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and feedback as we, together, strive to challenge the status quo and realize our VISION THROUGH MUSIC. Email me at visionthrumusic@gmail.com