The Wellness Files with Kari Beal
X Ambassadors keyboardist Casey Harris on blindness and the Vision Through Music Program
Published on May 13, 2026, 2:03:09 PM
Total time: 00:26:21
The Wellness Files with Kari Beal
Published on May 13, 2026, 2:03:09 PM
Total time: 00:26:21
X Ambassadors keyboardist and Grammy-winning musician Casey Harris shares what it’s like living with Leber’s congenital amaurosis and how learning music by ear shaped his career. He also explains why he partnered with Vision Through Music to connect blind and visually impaired kids with trained music teachers and why more educators are urgently needed.
Vision Through Music: https://childrenseyefoundation.org/what-we-do/vision-through-music/
Sign up for The Wellness Files event: https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/05/04/join-our-live-event-learn-about-lifestyle-medicine
00:00 Intro
01:02 Host welcome; Wellness Files live event + where to watch featured story
01:58 Casey’s role with X Ambassadors + Vision Through Music partnership overview
02:30 Quick tangent: screens/eye health takeaway
03:24 Casey’s upbringing in Ithaca, NY; music-filled home and early lessons
05:30 Mentors/teachers + learning to play by ear; jamming as “wordless” communication
08:24 Early recording/producing at home; building bands with friends/brother
09:49 What his vision is like; adapting to dark venues and fully blind workflows
11:46 Ear training/transcription vs. sheet music; how it shaped his musicianship
13:21 Diagnosis: Leber’s congenital amaurosis + Senior-Løken syndrome; importance of aides/teachers
14:57 Vision Through Music mission: matching/training teachers for blind/low-vision students
18:20 More blind musicians he’s met; piano tuning program experience
20:00 Call to action: need teachers (incl. Carolinas); virtual training/resources
22:19 Why music is empowering for disability community; confidence and purpose
24:35 Wrap-up + links/resources; where to follow the podcast/host
The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.