ABSTRACT

The present study was intended to develop a program in A-cappella vocal education as part of cultural arts programs for the visually challenged. Based on the outstanding hearing ability of visually challenged people, the program was to develop their musical sensitivity and offer them opportunities for musical activities so as to enjoy sounds on their own in the long run. In particular, A-cappella which is sung without any musical instruments, helps not only improve an individual`s musical talent, but also contribute to the community (society) by leading people to learn how to live in harmony with each other and care for one another. Furthermore, the aforementioned A-cappella vocal education is expected to produce more effective educational results, being closely connected to the Orff teaching method whose basic principles are from the integrated education of language, movement and music. As today`s music education should go beyond simple voice training and vocal education and embrace holistic education that encompasses physical activity, language learning and related mental education, it is essential to be equipped with features of an integrated education. Especially for the visually challenged that have few opportunities for movements, this kind of integrated experience is highly required. Therefore, as part of preparatory activities, every researcher taking part in the present study received training in the Orff teaching method while being advised by experts in special education in order to raise his understanding of the visually challenged, and hence they tried to develop a more suitable educational program for them within a limited time frame. When professional A-cappella instructors who can care for others and open up themselves are produced and when the visually challenged can actively take part in physical and musical activities, it is my belief that our society will be more beautiful. With this A-cappella education program as a start, it is hoped that there will be various arts education programs as well as subsequent research, which can have disabled people realize that they are not lacking or incompetent, but they can explore their talent and contribute to the society.

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