Introduction
It’s that time of year again—the 2024-25 season of the Gardner’s Trust Braille Music Literacy Awards (GTLA) is here. These awards offer a fun, low-pressure opportunity to showcase your braille music skills and receive expert feedback to help elevate your studies (and who knows, you might even win a prize!).
Sponsored by the Gardner’s Trust for the Blind and administered by RNIB since 1992, the GTLA aims to inspire more visually impaired musicians to study braille music.
What’s involved?
The awards are open to musicians of all ages, with five levels to choose from, ranging from Level 1 (beginners) to Level 5 (advanced). Each level presents a variety of challenges designed to help you sharpen your skills, including:
- Reading: Reading aloud a passage of braille music (Levels 1-3).
- Performing “at sight”: Tapping out the rhythm of the piece, then singing or playing the melody.
- Understanding: Answering questions about a score.
- Writing: Writing down a short passage read aloud by the examiner.
- Memorisation: Learning a short passage and playing it back (Levels 3-5).
- Spot the difference: Comparing a written passage to an audio recording and identifying the differences (Levels 4-5).
You’ll have a bit of preparation time before each challenge, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the music.
Which level should I take?
You can sit any of the levels, including levels you’ve taken in previous years. If you are studying braille music with a teacher, they should be able to advise you on this. You can find more information in the Infopack on RNIB’s website. It’s worth noting that although the levels are numbered from 1-5, the numbers do not necessarily equate to the same number in graded music exams. If you need further help selecting the right level, please contact: gtla@rnib.org.uk.
Do I need to play a particular instrument to enter? What about singers?
There’s no restriction on instrument, including voice – singers are very welcome to apply!
Where do the tests take place? Does it cost anything to enter?
There’s no entrance fee, and you won’t need to travel far—the test can be arranged online or in-person, at a convenient location and time for you (subject to examiner availability).
What’s the best way to prepare?
RNIB’s website features an information pack filled with details about each level, including example questions, musical signs you might encounter, and practice tests. There’s also a handy “Dictionary of Braille Music Signs” to help you along the way.
Once you’ve decided on the right level for you, consider practising with the specimen tests. Here are some tips that might make your preparation easier:
- Time yourself: Some tasks are timed, so practising under those conditions can be beneficial. Don’t worry if it feels challenging at first—the more you do it, the easier it gets.
- Use the preparation time wisely: For the “Performing at sight” test you’ll be given a few minutes to practise the piece. Make the most of this time by working out the rhythm and melody aloud. A great tip is to quickly run through a scale in the appropriate key and octave first.
- Make a recording: For tests that involve performing or memorising, try recording and listening back to your performance. Does it match the written score?
- Think beyond the notes: Pay attention to other musical elements such as dynamics, expression, and articulation. These will help you to build a well-rounded performance.
- Seek support: Consider asking your music teacher or a musical friend to help you practise or come up with new practice questions. “Find & seek” questions are an excellent starting point, as they test your ability to navigate the score quickly. You’ll find example questions in the information pack.
What happens after the test?
Everyone who takes the test will receive a certificate and a detailed feedback report. This report is designed to help you recognise your strengths and offer strategies for any areas that may need improvement—especially useful if you’re preparing for A-levels, GCSEs, or graded music exams.
The GTLA isn’t an exam, so there are no formal “marks,” but there is a small cash prize for the best entrant at each level.
When do the tests happen?
Tests will take place between January and March 2025. You can enter an application at any point up to the 28th of February 2025.
This sounds great! How do I apply?
You can find the application form included with the information pack on RNIB’s website. The pack contains braille-ready format versions of all the documents, perfect for embossing at home. Here’s the link: Gardner’s Trust Braille Music Literacy Awards | RNIB
If you would prefer an embossed copy of the pack sent to you, just get in touch with the RNIB Helpline at 0303 123 9999. You can request the whole pack or just the application form and information relevant to your chosen level, free of charge. And don’t forget to ask for the “Dictionary of Braille Music Signs for GTLA: Revised Edition 2022”—it’s incredibly handy!
Once you’ve filled out the form, send it back to RNIB at: gtla@rnib.org.uk
A member of the Music Team will reach out to arrange a suitable time and place for your test.
Good luck! We can’t wait to see what you achieve!
