Exploring the Concept of Note Dyslexia: A Personal Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: An Inquiry into Note Dyslexia
Writing extensively about myself isn’t typically my approach. However, there’s a question that warrants some investigation, and my only reference point is my own experience. Is there such a thing as Note Dyslexia? This notion has lingered in my mind for years, seeming to offer a plausible explanation for my struggles. For over three decades, I’ve attempted to play piano by reading sheet music, yet I find myself unable to do so effectively. I seek to understand why this is the case.
My Musical Background
I am confident that I don’t have conventional dyslexia; I’m a rapid reader and writer, have no need for glasses, and possess musical talent. This leaves me perplexed regarding my difficulty with playing music from notation. Since the age of five, I’ve been performing, starting with a role as Mary in my kindergarten’s Nativity play, chosen not for talent but simply because I could sing.
I’ve always been adept at creating harmonies for songs I know. If someone sings a familiar melody, I instinctively harmonize. I’ve drummed on various surfaces—tables, my legs, even using my mouth—and I’ve always been engaged in music. My family introduced me to my first guitar chords, and I learned other chords by listening to songs on the radio or recording them on cassettes.
Then Came the Sheet Music
As time passed, I was enrolled in music theory classes to learn to play the cornet. While I found rhythm straightforward, reading melodies proved challenging. I would count the lines repeatedly and memorize notes, but I often lost track on the sheet music, relying on my memory and ears rather than the written notes. This pattern persisted through six years in a brass band.
Even when playing piano, where I had to coordinate both hands, I struggled to follow the written notes. I taught myself meticulously, one bar at a time, depending heavily on auditory memory to piece together what I had learned. Despite years of practice, progress with reading music has been minimal. I now jot down chord names above the notes and focus on letters instead. Although I’ve taught piano to children, I often find myself imparting knowledge I’ve internalized rather than strictly adhering to the sheet music.
Understanding the Brain's Role
The complexity of the brain is a significant factor in understanding this phenomenon. In the 1960s, psycho-biologist Robert W. Sperry proposed that the two hemispheres of the brain operate differently. The right hemisphere is linked with creativity and artistic expression, while the left handles logic, sequences, and verbal skills. Research supports that both sides contribute to cognitive tasks, including music.
Performing music requires a blend of auditory perception, visual interpretation, motor coordination, muscle memory, and cognitive recall. The auditory cortex processes various musical elements, while the cerebellum aids in integrating movement during performance.
With this intricate understanding of the brain, I’m left pondering the existence of Note Dyslexia. Is it a common issue? Can it be overcome?
Musicians and Their Diverse Skills
During my time in music high school, students generally fell into two categories: those skilled in mathematics and those who struggled. All were musically inclined, yet their approaches varied. Mathematically inclined students excelled in classical music and jazz, adept at reading notes and recognizing patterns. Conversely, those who found math challenging often excelled as singers or by improvising by ear.
Personally, I performed adequately in math, yet my musical reading skills didn’t correlate. I’ve often masked my difficulties to pass exams by relying on my auditory skills rather than my ability to read music.
My Challenges with Music Exams
When faced with exams where melodies were presented in notation for singing, I found myself counting tones rather than singing the melody spontaneously. My performance would falter, often misinterpreted as nervousness. I managed to perform Mendelssohn’s Oratorium to St. Paul by recalling the melody from memory, not by reading the notes.
The Brain Remains a Mystery
If you believe in the concept of Note Dyslexia, I welcome your insights. I don’t suffer from this condition; I enjoy creating my music at home without needing sheet music. Music elevates my spirit. However, I struggle with distinguishing left from right, which might hint at a deeper issue.
Could techniques used by individuals with speech impediments—focusing on listening rather than performing—be applicable in musical contexts? Is this a mental block or a lack of coordination? I invite researchers or those who relate to this experience to share their thoughts.
Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections!
Chapter 2: Understanding Note Dyslexia through Multimedia
In the video "Note-Taking for Dyslexics," the challenges faced by dyslexics in learning and note-taking are discussed, providing insight into how different individuals process information.
The second video, "Why the Dyslexic Brain is Misunderstood," explores the nuances of dyslexia and the misconceptions surrounding it, shedding light on the diverse experiences of those affected.