I doubt he can play music if he can't see the screen. However, if your ipod is indefinetely non-functional, then just call applecare and tell them what the deal is. They'll either tell you how to fix it, or have you send it in to get fixed.
Take it to an Apple Store, they should replace it right there for you. My brother had like 4 crappy minis until he finally got a working one, all replaced right there at the Apple Store