Deaf Culture and Music
Carina Rodriguez
11/26/08
I have always loved music. Music soothes me, relaxes me and helps
me express what I am feeling at that specific moment in time.
Because I have an interest in music I was curious to know how deaf
people relate to music if at all. When you think of music you
automatically assume it can only be transmitted through one way,
through the ear. You tend to think music is a specific noise that is
transmitted into the ear to stimulate your mind, feelings and
emotions. I found that to be far from the truth. I have found that
deaf people are a huge fan of music and you don't have to hear it in
order to enjoy it. Music is deeper than just "listening", deaf
people tend to have a deeper connection to music because they can
physically feel the music. By feeling the rhythm and beat has a much
greater impact than just simply hearing it. Depending on the level
of deafness, one may hear bits and pieces of music while others can
feel the vibrations (Deister,2008). Music brings light to deaf
people. It helps in ways you would never think possible; such as
stimulating the mind, developing good listening habits, aids speech
development, boosts confidence, and rhythm of speech. These are all
great benefits for people who are deaf, especially for children
dealing with deafness.
Music for deaf children in the school system has a positive
impact. Signing songs was the most preferred musical activity among
deaf students one survey recalls, because of the fun and excitement
children have with music (Darrow,1985). Music is a great tool
because it helps students with their speech ability, fitting in with
peers, and boosts confidence. These are all very important in making
a child who is deaf or hard of hearing feel as normal as possible.
Music brings that sense of belonging meaning fitting in, creativity,
self-expression and personality. A man by the name of Spitzer
conducted a nation-wide survey of 91 schools for children with
hearing impaired and found that more than 50% of the chosen schools
did indeed include music in their curriculum. 65% of the schools
main goal was to improve speech. Over 90% of the schools concluded
that music did improve the students speech (Spitzer,1984). It was
found that rhythmic training to music made students more responsive,
more elastic, not only in movement but in personality
(Kokette,2008). This goes to prove that music is also enjoyed by
deaf people and at the same time creates a positive impact as well.
A man by the name of Shane Kerwin has invented a vibrato. This
happens to be a little machine that connects to a speaker and relays
the sound of instruments by using vibrations (CNN,2005). This new
technology will allow deaf people to feel the rhythm and beats when
music is on. This device has a place where you place your fingers so
when the music plays, it sends different vibrations to each finger
pad allowing to feel the difference between notes. Kerwin hopes this
device will be helpful for children in schools so they can have the
same music opportunities as hearing children and hopes this will
encourage children to participate in music and arts. Although we do
have the luxury of new technology like hearing aids, most hard of
hearing and deaf people prefer silence. Plus deaf and hard of
hearing people tend to appreciate music much more because of the
deep connection one has with the vibration and feelings they receive
through the rhythm and beats.
Music is very important. Through the vibrations, feelings, and
emotions, the outcome of all this brings creativity,
self-expression, and shapes personalities. There is proof that music
can make a difference and you don't have to be a hearing person to
enjoy it or even succeed in music. For example, Evelyn Glennie was a
talented international deaf musician. Shawn Dale Barnett was a
successful deaf drummer who also owned his own record company.
Lastly, lets not forget Beethoven, the best known deaf musician who
ever lived (Berke,2007). Therefore, we can all see that music is for
all who enjoys it, not just for those who have the advantage to hear
it. All is possible for anyone at any time, you just have to have a
passion for something specific and go after it.
Works Cited
Berke, J. (2007). Deaf and Music. Retrieved November 25, 2008, from
http://deafness.about.com/cs/educationgeneral/a/deafmusic.htm
CNN (2005). Speaker Helps Deaf to “Feel” Music. Retrieved November
25, 2008, from
http://education.cnn.com/2005/TECH/10/26/vibrato.speaker/
Darrow, A. (2006). The Role of Music in Deaf Culture. Retrieved
November 25, 2008,
from http://apt.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi
Deister, K. (2008). Deafness and Music. Retrieved November 25, 2008,
from
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46394.asp
Kokette, S. (2008). Hearing Students, Sign Language, and Music.
Retrieved November
25, 2008, from http://www.signit2.com/HEARING%20STUDENTS,%20SIGN%
Spitzer, M. (1984). A Survey of The Use of Music in Schools For The
Hearing Impaired.
Retrieved November 25, 2008, from http://deafed.net/publisheddocs/sub/971114c.htm