Dyslexic student, reading music and band

A friend whose 5th grade son is dyslexic has a difficult time reading sheet music. He had been playing the clarinet, then the music teacher switched him to the saxophone about a month ago. The boy watches other sax players to understand the fingerings. Now, the band teacher wants him out of the program. The boy looks around too much and doesn't watch his music. It is an awarding winning band in high school, so I guess they weed the subpar players out early. The mother has an IEP meeting Thursday and doesn't know how far to push the issue. The teacher has already convinced the boy he shouldn't be in band. Any band teachers who have had success with dyslexic students learning how read music and play their instrument? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Tags: band, dyslexic, music, reading

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Permalink Reply by Bob Zenhausern on May 30, 2010 at 6:36am

Has anyone determined whether the child can or cannot read music? Difficulty with reading text may or may not transfer to reading music.

Has anyone determined whether the child is a good musician? Does the teacher want to get rid of the child because he is dyslexic and assumes he cannot succeed?

Has anyone talked to the child and get his opinion on whether he wants to be in the band and how he evaluates his musical ability?

Permalink Reply by Ann Knipper on May 30, 2010 at 7:59pm

When the boy took piano lessons, his teacher said he was very good at learning the music by ear. The piano teacher motivated him enough that he wanted to be in band and orchestra and learn how to play two instruments. Now, he hates it all. The piano teacher determined he cannot read music. He just started in band five months ago and liked it until the teacher had him switch instruments, then he got trouble because he was looking at the other saxophone players and didn't pay attention to the band teacher. The boy feels he doesn't have instrumental musical ability now because he can't do what the fifth grade kids do and always makes the band teacher upset. Mother said he will probably quit band. Now he wants to try vocal music. But if he can't read music will the same thing happen.

Permalink Reply by Bob Zenhausern on May 31, 2010 at 6:02am

I am not the person that can best answer this. I cannot read music and have no inkling on how to do it. I think it is important to distinguish between him not reading music now and not being able to read music. Has anyone tried to teach him? Vocal will also depend on reading music.

For the moment, assume he cannot learn to read music. How well does he play instruments? Does he have real talent? If so, there are schools of music that are not dependent on reading music. If that is not practical, then perhaps his parents can encourage him to start his own group.

Permalink Reply by Ann Knipper on May 31, 2010 at 7:29pm

Bob,
Thanks for your suggestions. The mother is going to talk to her son. she thinks maybe he needs to stick to piano for now. She will be asking your questions during the IEP meeting. Thanks a lot.

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