“Blind to the facts 2023”: exploring the experiences of professionals with visual impairment in the UK music industry

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This article expands on earlier research which explored the industry experiences of musicians with visual impairment (VI). Almost 30 years on, and with changes in social and educational policy and thinking on social justice and inclusion, this article revisits the topic. Funded by Vision Foundation, and commissioned by Baluji Music Foundation, this project explored the lives and careers of music professionals with VI and provides an employer/provider perspective on issues of access and inclusion in the industry. Findings from 11 semi-structured interviews with five self-described professionals and semi-professionals with VI, and six industry employers/providers, offers an ‘insider’ perspective on the topic. Transcripts were analysed through Analytic Induction. Descriptive statistics from a survey with 109 responses from active and aspiring professionals with VI, and industry employers/representatives with and without VI, provide additional context to qualitative findings. Results showed that professionals with VI considered their industry experiences to be affected by various factors, including: decisions surrounding the selection of opportunities due to dependent mobility and safety concerns; the availability of sighed support; music learning approaches and the time required to acquire accessible scores; issues with networking and promotion; and additional costs. Solutions and existing support mechanisms are discussed.