Music Access
A simple guide to accessible music and audio production for blind and visually impaired creators
A Brief Note About This Post
This is a working journal post that I plan to refine and expand as technology, accessibility, and my own experience continue to evolve. The ideas and recommendations below reflect my personal experiences, thoughts, and opinions. There are many valid ways to select equipment, build a studio, and develop a creative workflow.
I originally created this resource after giving a live presentation about accessible music and audio production in July 2026. It is intended to support the people who attended that presentation, along with anyone who discovers it through an Internet search or visits my website looking for information.
I hope this article helps people understand what is possible and gives them a practical place to begin. If you notice an error, an outdated link, or something that could be explained more accurately, please email me at steve@baskis360.com or contact me through the form at stevebaskis.com.
None of the developers, manufacturers, retailers, or organizations mentioned in this article paid me, provided a discount, or asked me to recommend their products. I am sharing them because I have experience with them or believe they may be useful starting points.
Music can be a powerful way to express ourselves, tell stories, relax, experiment, and connect with other people. Today, a person can begin exploring music and audio with an iPhone, a computer, headphones, or a small keyboard controller.
There are more accessible tools available than ever before for blind and visually impaired musicians, songwriters, producers, podcasters, storytellers, and content creators.
This article is not intended to teach every part of music production or provide detailed setup instructions. Instead, it offers a starting point. My hope is that you will finish reading with a better understanding of what certain products do, how they work together, and which creative path may be right for you.
Before You Buy Anything
If I could give only one piece of advice, it would be this:
Learn your computer and its accessibility tools before trying to learn music production.
Whether you use an Apple Mac or a Windows PC, becoming comfortable with your accessibility features will make every music application easier to understand.
I am completely blind and primarily use Apple products with the built-in VoiceOver screen reader. I chose to move exclusively into the Apple computer environment after having a positive experience with the accessibility of the iPhone. When the iPhone became accessible to blind people, it gave me a level of access and independence that worked extremely well for me. Moving to Apple computers felt like a natural continuation of that experience.
I enjoy working in the Apple environment, but I understand that not everyone does. Someone who grew up using Microsoft Windows and traditional PCs may prefer to remain with that system. Other operating systems and computer platforms are also available.
I discuss Apple computers throughout this article because I made them my focus and have invested a great deal of time learning to use them efficiently and accurately. This is not meant to suggest that Apple is the only choice or the right choice for every person.
Someone with usable vision may benefit from learning Zoom and the other magnification and display features built into macOS.
Spend time learning:
• Your screen reader or magnification tools
• Keyboard navigation
• Operating-system keyboard shortcuts
• File and folder management
• How to install, open, close, and switch between applications
• How to locate menus, buttons, text fields, checkboxes, and other controls
These foundational skills can reduce stress, frustration, and confusion. The better you understand your computer, the more attention you can devote to creating music instead of trying to figure out how to move around the screen.
Accessible music production is not limited to Apple. Many blind musicians work on Windows with screen readers such as JAWS or NVDA. My examples focus primarily on Apple because that is the system I personally know and use.
Option 1: Create Music With Artificial Intelligence
The simplest place to begin may be the device you already carry in your pocket.
Artificial intelligence now allows a person to brainstorm lyrics, develop song ideas, explore musical styles, and generate complete songs without owning recording equipment or knowing how to play a traditional instrument.
I often use ChatGPT and Suno on my iPhone with VoiceOver.
ChatGPT is one example of a large language model. Other models, including Claude and Gemini, can also help with writing and creative development.
You might use an AI language model to:
• Brainstorm song topics
• Turn personal memories into lyrical ideas
• Develop verses, choruses, and bridges
• Explore rhyme and song structure
• Rewrite a line that does not sound natural
• Create several versions of the same idea
• Describe a musical mood, genre, tempo, or arrangement
• Organize rough notes into finished lyrics
You remain responsible for deciding what the song should communicate. AI can help generate, organize, or refine ideas, but your choices, experiences, and direction shape the result.
Once I have a concept or lyrics, I move into Suno. Suno allows users to describe a song, provide lyrics, select or describe a style, and generate a musical performance.
Suno still needs accessibility improvements, particularly for people navigating with VoiceOver. However, I can currently use the iPhone application to create songs, listen to the results, revise my ideas, and download completed music without sighted assistance.
You do not need to understand multitrack recording, microphones, MIDI, mixing, mastering, or music theory to experiment with this first option. You can begin with an idea and learn through the creative process.
Download ChatGPT for iPhone or iPad
Download ChatGPT from the Apple App Store
Download Suno for iPhone or iPad
Download Suno from the Apple App Store
Additional AI Resources
• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Gemini
• Suno
Option 2: Explore Sounds With a MIDI Controller
Maybe you are not interested in generating an entire song with AI.
Maybe you want to physically press keys, explore different sounds, and make music yourself.
You may not want to record, edit, mix, or produce anything. You may simply want to put on headphones and play.
This can be enjoyable for complete beginners, experienced musicians, people participating in music therapy, or anyone who finds relaxation and satisfaction through sound.
A simple setup could include:
• A modern Mac computer
• VoiceOver or magnification
• Headphones
• A small MIDI controller
• Compatible virtual-instrument software
A useful example is the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32.
What Does MIDI Mean?
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
A MIDI controller normally does not produce sound on its own. Instead, it sends performance information to your computer.
When you press a key, the controller can tell the software:
• Which note you pressed
• When you pressed it
• When you released it
• How forcefully you played it
The computer uses that information to play a virtual instrument.
Think of the MIDI controller as a physical keyboard that controls sounds stored in software. The same keyboard could play a grand piano, organ, synthesizer, string section, brass instrument, drum kit, or many other sounds.
You do not have to understand all the technical details of MIDI to enjoy it. You can open compatible software, select an instrument, put on your headphones, and begin playing.
This simple setup may be useful for:
• Exploring music for the first time
• Learning the layout of a keyboard
• Practicing melodies and chords
• Experimenting with different instruments
• Relaxation
• Creative play
• Music-based therapeutic activities
• Learning how accessible hardware and software work together
The Native Instruments M32 is compact enough to move between locations and small enough for a desk or portable workspace.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 at Sweetwater
Native Instruments product information and support
Headphones and Studio Monitor Speakers
Headphones can be useful in every setup described in this article.
They allow you to:
• Work without disturbing other people
• Hear more clearly in a noisy environment
• Practice privately
• Monitor a recording while using a microphone
• Create music while traveling or working in a shared space
You can also add studio monitors, which are speakers designed for music and audio production.
Unlike headphones, studio monitors allow you to hear your work in the room. They can be useful when playing virtual instruments, editing a podcast, arranging music, or mixing a complete recording.
In more advanced setups, studio monitors are normally connected to the main outputs of an audio interface. Most people use a matching pair so they can hear the left and right sides of a stereo production.
One option to investigate is the JBL 305P MkII 5-inch powered studio monitor. These are self-powered speakers, meaning their amplifiers are built into the cabinets.
JBL 305P MkII powered studio monitor pair at Sweetwater
JBL studio monitor options at Sweetwater
Headphones and studio monitors serve different purposes, and many creators eventually use both. Headphones are private and portable, while speakers allow you to hear how your work interacts with the room around you.
Option 3: Record Vocals, Instruments, Podcasts, or Voiceovers
When you are ready to record a voice, guitar, instrument, interview, or podcast, you will need a way to bring that sound into the computer.
This is where an audio interface becomes important.
What Is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface acts as a bridge between your computer and equipment such as:
• Microphones
• Electric guitars
• Electronic instruments
• Headphones
• Studio monitor speakers
A microphone captures sound as an electrical signal. The audio interface converts that signal into digital information the computer can record.
The interface also sends sound from the computer back to your headphones or studio monitors so you can hear what you are recording, editing, or playing.
A good beginner option is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
It provides two inputs, allowing you to connect two compatible sources. Depending on your project, you might record:
• One vocal microphone and one guitar
• Two microphones
• Two instruments
• Two people speaking
• One source at a time while keeping another connection available
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 at Sweetwater
Focusrite product information and support
Choosing a Versatile First Microphone
If I were recommending one affordable and durable microphone to someone beginning a home studio, I would strongly consider the Shure SM57.
The SM57 is a dynamic microphone. It is rugged, widely used, and useful in many recording situations.
It can be used for:
• Vocals
• Spoken word
• Acoustic instruments
• Guitar amplifiers
• Percussion
• Drums
• General recording and experimentation
No single microphone is ideal for every voice and instrument, but the SM57 can remain useful even after a studio grows.
Owning two SM57 microphones provides additional flexibility. You might use one for your voice and another for a guitar, position them on two different sound sources, or record two people.
The microphone normally connects to an audio interface through an XLR microphone cable. You may also need a microphone stand so it remains positioned securely while you perform or speak.
Shure SM57 product information and support
What You Can Create With This Equipment
A computer, headphones, Scarlett 2i2, one or two SM57 microphones, and recording software can support many different projects.
You could create:
• Songs
• Vocal recordings
• Acoustic-guitar recordings
• Electric-guitar recordings
• Instrumental performances
• Podcasts
• Interviews
• Audiobooks
• Voiceovers
• Oral histories
• Educational recordings
• Spoken-word projects
• Personal stories
• Audio journals
You could use headphones, studio monitors, or both to listen to your work.
The equipment does not determine what you have to create. It simply gives you different ways to capture and work with sound.
Option 4: Build Complete Multitrack Productions
The next step is combining a MIDI controller, audio interface, microphones, headphones or studio monitors, virtual instruments, and recording software.
A typical setup might include:
• A MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Studio, or another compatible modern Mac
• VoiceOver
• Headphones
• A pair of studio monitors
• A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
• A Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• One or two Shure SM57 microphones
• Appropriate XLR, instrument, and monitor cables
• A Digital Audio Workstation
What Is a Digital Audio Workstation?
A Digital Audio Workstation is commonly abbreviated as DAW, pronounced like the word “daw.”
A DAW is software used to record, edit, arrange, mix, and export audio and music.
You can think of it as a recording studio inside your computer.
A DAW allows you to create separate tracks for different parts of a production.
• Track one could contain drums.
• Track two could contain bass.
• Track three could contain piano.
• Track four could contain electric guitar.
• Track five could contain a lead vocal.
• Track six could contain background vocals.
Each track can be recorded, edited, balanced, and processed separately. When the project is finished, all the tracks can be combined into a completed song or audio program.
Using the equipment discussed in this article, a person could:
• Trigger virtual instruments
• Play and record MIDI performances
• Use loops and prerecorded audio
• Record vocals
• Record electric guitar
• Record acoustic guitar
• Record percussion
• Arrange music
• Edit performances
• Balance multiple tracks
• Create podcasts and interviews
• Export finished audio
My Experience With Pro Tools
I have used Pro Tools extensively, and it remains my Digital Audio Workstation of choice.
Pro Tools is powerful professional software, but it is also advanced. Learning it requires patience, practice, a strong understanding of keyboard commands, and time spent developing an efficient workflow.
A completely blind person using VoiceOver can learn and operate Pro Tools, but I would not describe it as the easiest first step for someone with no technical or audio background.
That is why the earlier examples in this article begin with simpler options. A person can first explore AI music, play virtual instruments, or learn basic recording before moving into advanced multitrack production.
PT Access resources for blind and visually impaired Pro Tools users
Other Digital Audio Workstations
Pro Tools is not the only option.
Other Digital Audio Workstations include:
• Logic Pro
• Reaper
• Ableton Live
• Cubase
• Studio One
• GarageBand
• Other developing and specialized applications
Accessibility differs between products, operating systems, versions, plugins, and workflows. Before purchasing a DAW, investigate its current accessibility, trial version, documentation, screen-reader support, and community resources.
Whenever possible, connect with blind users who currently work with the software. Their practical experience may reveal strengths or limitations that are not obvious from a product description.
A More Advanced Native Instruments System
Someone who wants to move beyond a small portable controller may eventually explore the larger Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards.
The series includes:
• Kontrol S49 MK3 with 49 keys
• Kontrol S61 MK3 with 61 keys
• Kontrol S88 MK3 with 88 keys
The larger keyboards provide more physical playing range. The S88 is especially useful for someone who wants an 88-key, piano-style playing experience.
Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 at Sweetwater
Native Instruments Kontrol S-Series information
These controllers can work with Native Instruments software and compatible products from other developers. They provide a physical way to browse, select, play, and control virtual instruments from the keyboard.
Native Instruments Accessibility Videos
How to Use the Native Instruments Accessibility Helper With Kontrol S-Series MK3 Keyboards
This video explains the Native Instruments Accessibility Helper and how blind and visually impaired users can use it with the Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboard controllers.
Watch the Native Instruments Accessibility Helper tutorial on YouTube
Native Instruments Kontrol MK3 Accessibility Demonstration
This demonstration focuses on the accessibility of the Kontrol MK3 MIDI keyboard controllers and shows how the hardware and software can support blind and visually impaired musicians.
Watch the Kontrol MK3 accessibility demonstration on YouTube
Accessibility Guide for Maschine MK3
This video introduces the accessibility features and workflow of the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 production hardware and software.
Watch the Maschine MK3 accessibility guide on YouTube
A more advanced creator may also add Native Instruments Maschine.
Maschine combines pad-based hardware with software for producing beats, melodies, harmonies, samples, and complete arrangements. The system includes physical pads and controls that can be used to perform parts, trigger sounds, build patterns, sample audio, and arrange music.
Native Instruments Maschine information
Native Instruments products at Sweetwater
A Kontrol keyboard, Maschine hardware, Native Instruments software, an audio interface, microphones, headphones or monitors, and a DAW can form a complete creative system.
You can use the keyboard to perform melodies, chords, bass lines, and virtual instruments. Maschine can be used to trigger drums, samples, loops, and patterns. A microphone or guitar can be recorded through an audio interface. The resulting material can then be arranged and mixed into a complete production.
Linear and Non-Linear Music Production
Traditional recording was often linear.
In a linear workflow, the performance moves from beginning to end in a fixed timeline. A musician might press Record, perform the entire song, and then stop. Tape recording is a clear example because the recording physically moves forward as time passes.
A non-linear workflow gives the creator more freedom to work on different pieces in almost any order.
You might:
• Record the chorus before the first verse
• Create an eight-measure drum pattern and repeat it
• Move a section to a different part of the song
• Replace one instrument without rerecording everything
• Build a song from loops, samples, patterns, MIDI, and live audio
• Try several arrangements without permanently changing the original material
• Jump directly to any point in the project
Modern Digital Audio Workstations and systems such as Maschine allow creators to combine linear and non-linear methods.
You can record a complete performance from beginning to end, build the production one section at a time, or combine both approaches. This flexibility allows someone to experiment, rearrange ideas, correct mistakes, and explore different versions of a song without starting over.
Continue Learning
One of the best things you can do is learn directly from the companies that develop the products.
Read:
• Official user guides
• Accessibility documentation
• Setup instructions
• Keyboard-shortcut references
• Compatibility information
• Frequently asked questions
• Support articles
Also learn from:
• Blind musicians and producers
• Accessibility communities
• Experienced audio engineers
• Online educators
• Podcasts
• Video and audio tutorials
• User groups
• Mailing lists
• Product-support teams
I also maintain a YouTube playlist that I slowly add to over time. Much of it relates to accessible music and audio production, although I occasionally include other accessibility topics that I believe may be useful.
Accessible music, audio production, and technology playlist
Accessibility and software can change. An application that is difficult to use today may improve, while an update can sometimes change a previously familiar workflow. Continue checking current documentation and current user experiences.
Purchasing Equipment
I have consistently had good experiences with Sweetwater. Their sales engineers can answer product questions, help compare equipment, and ship items directly to your home.
My recommendations are based on my own experience and the general usefulness of these products. You are not required to purchase from Sweetwater, and similar products may be available from other retailers.
None of the manufacturers, developers, retailers, or organizations mentioned in this article paid me, provided discounts, or supplied free products in exchange for being included.
Before purchasing anything, consider:
• Your goals
• Your budget
• The computer you already own
• Available desk or studio space
• The number of instruments or microphones you want to record
• Accessibility
• Product compatibility
• Return policies
• Warranty and technical support
• Any additional cables, adapters, stands, or accessories you may need
Final Thoughts
There is no single correct path into music or audio production.
Some people may begin by creating a song with AI on an iPhone.
Others may connect a small MIDI controller and simply enjoy playing virtual instruments.
Some may record their first podcast or audiobook.
Others may eventually produce complete albums and complex multitrack sessions.
Every one of those paths is valid.
Start with what interests you.
Learn your accessibility tools.
Choose equipment based on what you want to create.
Add new pieces as your skills and interests grow.
You do not need to build a professional studio all at once. The most important thing is to begin exploring, learning, and creating.
I created this resource to help the people who attended my July 2026 presentation and anyone else who may discover it. I hope it gives you useful ideas, reduces some of the confusion surrounding music technology, and encourages you to explore what is possible.
If you have questions, email me at steve@baskis360.com.
You can also contact me through the form at stevebaskis.com.
When possible, I will provide additional resources and help connect people with developers, educators, communities, and other blind musicians who may be able to answer more specialized questions.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes and reflects my personal experiences, opinions, and preferences. The products and workflows mentioned are examples rather than requirements. Accessibility, compatibility, features, prices, and availability may change, so please confirm current information with developers, manufacturers, retailers, and accessibility communities before making a purchase.
None of the organizations or companies mentioned paid me or provided discounts in exchange for inclusion. Links are shared as helpful resources, and readers are responsible for deciding which products and workflows are appropriate for their own needs, abilities, budgets, and creative goals.
Artificial-intelligence tools can produce inaccurate or legally protected material. Review your results and follow current platform terms, copyright laws, and licensing requirements before publishing or distributing your work. Always use headphones and speakers responsibly and protect your hearing by maintaining safe listening levels.
