How do I learn to read music?

With the 3 underneath it means they are no longer quarter notes
You play 3 of these to make a quarter or beat (of 3 beats)

Think of
Merrily Merrily Merrily
For that set of 3 triplets as they are called

Ra Kenworth wrote:With the 3 underneath it means they are no longer quarter notes
You play 3 of these to make a quarter or beat (of 3 beats)

Think of
Merrily Merrily Merrily
For that set of 3 triplets as they are called

Thanks.
That makes sense.

And then we get this version that doesn't tell us the information

I've been reading a lot about dyslexia and learning to play/read music.  I must say, most of the advise on the internet is the exact opposite of what works.  But it's very good for helping a child shut down and feel bad about themselves.  

It made me feel that there was no hope.

Then someone sent me this, and, for the most part, it rings true.

Does Dyslexia (or being neurodivergent) Make Learning an Instrument Harder?
I am an ex musician who specialised in teaching SEND pupils and I still
often get asked  by parents of dyslexic children: Will it be harder for my child to
learn an instrument or read music? The short answer? It depends—but harder doesn’t mean impossible, and dyslexic musicians can thrive with the right approach.
The Challenges
Dyslexia doesn’t just affect reading words—it can also impact processing speed, working memory, and sequencing, all of which play a role in learning an instrument. Some common challenges dyslexic musicians might face include:
Reading Sheet Music – Standard musical notation is a symbol-based language, just like written text. Some dyslexic learners struggle with recognising notes quickly, tracking across the page, or processing rhythms accurately. For some, just the contrast of the black and white dots and dashes with the bright white of the paper (visual disturbance -many dyslexics have this too) can make things difficult.
Left-Right Confusion – Instruments require coordinated movement, often with different hands doing different things. Some dyslexic people experience directional challenges, which can make this more confusing at first.
Memory & Sequencing – Remembering long passages of music, finger placements, or chord progressions can be trickier for those with working memory difficulties. I have never played a piece of music from memory. This was an accommodation for me at the music conservatoire I studied at because no matter how much I practised, I just couldn’t remember (yet I could when playing with a backing track that I’d learned a piece of music by ear from).
Coordination & Timing – Some dyslexic people also have dyspraxia, which affects fine motor skills and timing, making precise finger placement or rhythmic accuracy more difficult.
The Strengths
But here’s the good news—dyslexic learners also have incredible strengths that can make them fantastic musicians.
Strong Aural Skills – Many dyslexic people have an excellent ear for music. They can learn songs by listening rather than relying on sheet music, which is a huge advantage. This was me because the dots and dashes were incredibly difficult for me to learn and it was only when I began teaching music that I finally understood the theoretical
side of music.
Creativity & Improvisation – Dyslexic thinkers are often highly creative and intuitive musicians. Improvisation, composing, and playing by ear come naturally to many.
Pattern Recognition – While reading music may be tricky, dyslexic learners often excel at recognising musical patterns, which helps with chord progressions and melodies. This was me!
Resilience & Adaptability – Many dyslexic people have developed strong problem-solving skills, making them great at finding alternative ways to learn and play music. I used an answerphone (this was the 90’s 😉) and taped myself playing a composition of mine and then I used a tape player to record the answerphone recording and me playing to get 3 tracks/parts and I continued this until I had all the tracks/parts I needed).
Making Music More Dyslexia-Friendly
If traditional methods feel frustrating, don’t give up. There are so many ways to make learning an instrument more accessible:
• Use Alternative Notation – Some dyslexic musicians prefer color-coded notes, larger fonts, or simplified notation like guitar tabs or chord charts.
• Learn by Ear – Playing music by listening rather than reading can be a huge advantage. Many famous musicians (like Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney) couldn’t read music but were incredible performers.
• Break It Down – Learning in small, manageable chunks helps with memory and sequencing. Focus on one phrase at a time rather than tackling an entire piece.
• Use Multi-Sensory Techniques – Combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning (like tapping rhythms or using apps with visual cues) can reinforce concepts.
• Find the Right Teacher – A patient, neuroaffirming teacher who understands dyslexia can make all the difference. Look for someone willing to adapt their teaching style.
Above all, have fun and focus on developing a love for music rather than passing exams. Music can be enjoyed by everyone no matter how small (or many) the steps needed to learn.
All reactions:
201
Sara-Jane Whitehead
I haven’t had time to read your post in its entirety but no one is ever an ex-musician. It’s still there somewhere, you’re just out of practice!
1y
Rebekah E
This is such a useful read thank you! My daughter is so musical but ND & Dyslexic I was wondering how to begin music lessons with her.
1y
Cath Toomey
Great insights.
Where do you teach?
1y
Karen Blackwood
I could have written this about our son who is dyslexic and ADD. He studies now at the Royal College of Music and his sight reading is still not brilliant but his aural skills and improvisation are ace! Just don’t ask about his academic work 🤣 Disaster!
52w
Marion Berry
My grandson has dyslexia, dispraxia discalculia and dysgraphia but plays multiple instruments, has a First in music and an MA in music therapy so there's hope out there. He didn't receive any help at school but went to do music at a local college at 16 and then on to university
1y
Julie Brooke
My now adult son is dyslexic plays drums and guitar very well, has two degrees and a masters, now a chiropractor. If you want something bad enough you can do it
1y
Caitlin Scrowther
This is spot on, I was diagnosed as dyslexic last year after a lifetime of wondering why I was so poor at reading music (I'm a violinist and music teacher). The challenges you have stated but the advantages are also true
51w
Michelle Bates
My amazing son is 13 he's ASD has dyscalculia and dysgraphia so badly struggling in school and I fear it won't get better and I don't know what will happen to him
But almost a year ago I put him in a music taster lesson with his ukulele and wow he really excelled learning to read music quickly write music and went straight to grade two he not only listens to music he hears it for my son music is his total happy place
1y
Liffy Elisabeth Kelly
I wish they would make the exams more accessible
1y
Rebecca Watkinson
I can't read music, but I can read guitar tablature. If anyone else struggles with the dots wandering about the stave, then tab is worth a try.
51w

They say it came from here https://www.facebook.com/curiosityledlearning/posts/does-dyslexia-or-being-neurodivergent-make-learning-an-instrument-harderi-am-an-/1256498469234504/

I don't have fb on my network, so I can't confirm or thank the original author.

Why western music only has 12 notes.  

What is this sign called and what does it do?

Ukulele music and tab. Treble cleft, one flat on B line, 3/4 time.

The Notation Key at start of book doesn't say this symbol.

It's not a sharp, as we have one to the left.  Above we can see the note written normal has the same tab.  So I am obviously supposed to do something special.  Any ideas?