[Menvi-discuss] teaching piano as a blind person

[Kelsey Nicolay]

Hello,
I may have posted a similar thread before, but here goes.  I am a 
tutor for wyzant, which is a tutoring company.  I applied for a 
tutoring job teaching piano.  The parent emailed me about 
possibly doing lessons one hour a month with the time split 
between her two kids.  I have always wanted to teach piano since 
I've been playing all my life basically, but I am worried that 
once the parent finds out about my blindness, she might lose her 
trust in my ability to teach her children.  This would be my 
first time ever teaching piano, so I am not sure how to approach 
this.  When she calls me to set up the lessons, should I mention 
that I am blind but it does not stop me from doing the things I 
enjoy? I would then explain that I would use Braille books while 
the students have the books in print.  Also, how will her kids 
react to having someone who can't see teach piano? I think they 
are still young, so they might not be old enough to understand 
the misconceptions society has about what blind people can do.  
My piano teacher sees absolutely no reason why I cannot teach 
piano.  Anyone who is blind and has ever taught piano to sighted 
students, please share your experiences.  How did the student 
react to your blindness? How did the parents feel about it? Did 
they feel less confident in your abilities? How do you work on 
things like technique if you can't see what the student is doing? 
Is this a situation in which touch is the only way I'll be able 
to monitor their habits? I think the parents will be there while 
the lessons are going on since it's in their home.  I would 
really appreciate some advice.
Thanks,