The O'Carolan Society of Blind Harpists Worldwide

28/11/2025

If you are struggling with using technology, there are quality free alternative screen readers out there. Below is a link to NVDA, a great free screen reader. Did you know that even places like Outlook in the US have it installed on all machines?! because it's such a popular alternative to JAWS!

Download  and experience NVDA today!  NVDA version 2025.3.1 The NVDA screen reader can be downloaded free of charge by anyone. We do this because we believe everyone, especially the world’s poorest blind people deserve access to computers and a way out of poverty. If you have the means, no matte...

25/11/2025

It's incredibly important to know your own hands as a visually impaired musician. Spend time playing with movement, it doesn't need to be fast. Learn to use your fingers, your hands and your whole body the way sighted people learn to use cars. The ones that can drive well. The goal is to have complete control, and then worry about location later!

13/11/2025

We are hosting a Christmas competition. Every blind or low vision harpist who submits a piece, no matter the ability, will recieve an Amazon gift voucher. We can't wait to share them on our page!

02/11/2025

https://soundwithoutsight.org/
Here is a link to the Sound Without Sight platform.

Sound Without Sight is a new non-profit initiative, aimed at promoting sight-impairment within audio and music. We will: showcase talent, highlight solutions to accessibility barriers, and combine collective knowledge from the community, for the community.

24/10/2025

We are taking braille/xml harp music requests

15/10/2025

If you are struggling with sightloss, especially later in life, do not hesitate to contact TOCSOC. We can signpost you to support for your everyday life as well as your harping life!

Call now to connect with business.

13/10/2025

It is just as important to make sounds and practice knowing where your hands are and how they feel. If you don't play a piece today, at least play a hand shape. Happy Monday Turls!

10/10/2025

Do you prefer to play solo or in an ensemble?

04/10/2025

I thought I would share this with everyone who is unfamiliar with braille music!

02/09/2025

In the Turls group, I am collecting information on alternative techniques for harmonics. Have you found any alternative methods for performing harmonics accurately? What adjustments do you make? Please feel free to share any alternative knowledge you have, so that it can be passed on to our blind harpists in the handy tips and tricks newsletter.

21/08/2025

Are you aware of your rights as a disabled musician? Accessible page linked below. Please tab.

The MU outlines workplace rights as a deaf, blind or disabled musician under the Equality Act and explains how the social model informs our position and policies.