Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you frustrated because music theory seems to be filled with arcane and unreachable knowledge? While learning music theory can present challenges for musicians with learning disabilities, it is possible to dispel the mystery surrounding how music works. Keep reading How to Learn Music Theory with a Learning Disability for study tips and music theory resources.
Learning Music Theory with a Learning Disability: Advice for Studying
Here are several tips for how to learn music theory with a learning disability.
Focus on multisensory strategies.
- The term multisensory sounds like just what it is. It’s using your different senses to help you learn.
- For music it’s primarily sight, sound, and touch.
- Look for websites and apps that incorporate these elements into their teaching.
If you struggle with reading, get the information in other ways.
- Study audio books and videos.
- Try doing hands-on projects.
- Also, color coding is especially effective for helping musicians with learning disabilities to master music theory.
Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
- Tasks can easily become overwhelming for people with learning disabilities, especially for ADHD musicians.
- Pick one small, manageable task and focus on it until you’re done. Try to avoid becoming distracted by tangents.
- Start with simpler concepts first (e.g., scales and rhythm) before tackling more complex concepts (e.g., harmony, chord progressions, and counterpoint.)
Visual aids
- Many people with learning disabilities have strengths in visualizing and spatial skills.
- Focus on charts, diagrams, and tables in theory books and websites, because they’ll often help unlock the information for you.
- Create your own charts and diagrams to help you organize and understand the information.
Find support
- Don’t try to do it all on your own.
- Look for a good teacher, find a songwriting group, or ask for help from online social media groups.
- Read blog posts and watch YouTube videos.
Keep at it!
- It’s easy for musicians with learning disabilities to get discouraged, so try to stay positive.
- Remember, the more you study the better you’ll get – embrace incremental change.
- As Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.”
Don’t give up – giving up is the worst kind of learning disability, because it’s one that you have a choice about.
Learning Music Theory with a Learning Disability: Music Theory Resources
Here are some music theory posts to get you started. They feature visual aids, soundtracks, and videos.
Melody
Example Scales:
Modes:
Scale Degrees:
Melodic writing:
- How to Extract a Melody from Your Lyrics
- Writing Great Songs Using Rhythmic Motifs
- Ten Ways to Spice Up Your Melodies with Melodic Variation
- Song Structure, Musical Phrases, Musical Structures and Forms
- Exploring the Music Themes and Leitmotifs of Star Wars
Counterpoint:
Rhythm
Harmony
Adding chords under a melody:
Chords:
- An Easy How to Guide to Understanding Triads
- Chord Progressions (Including the 12 Bar Blues)
- Explain Roman Numeral Analysis in Layman’s Terms for Me
- What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean?
- What’s the Deal with These iv-V-VII Chords?
- What Exactly Does I7-vi7-V7 Mean?
- Tonic vs. Root in Music Theory
Mobile users: for best results reading the pictures, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Form
Keys
Final Thoughts on “How to Learn Music Theory with a Learning Disability”
Takeaway points:
- Look for websites and apps that incorporate multisensory elements into their teaching.
- Focus on charts, diagrams, and tables in theory books and websites, because they’ll often help unlock the information for you.
- Color coding is especially effective for helping musicians with learning disabilities to master music theory.
- Study audio books and videos.
- Pick one small, manageable task and focus on it until you’re done.
Have fun learning!
Related Posts
- The 5 Best Free Music Notation Apps
- Do I Need Talent to Write Music and Compose Lyrics?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Is the Suzuki Music Methodology Bad for Learning Piano?
“Is the Suzuki music methodology bad for learning piano?” Well, it really depends on what you want out of lessons. Like with many things, Suzuki music does some things well, and others poorly. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of the Suzuki methodology when teaching children music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Vibrato Impacts Singing in Tune
Have you ever wondered what you could do to better sing in tune? Knowledge is power. Read more to find out how vibrato impacts singing in tune. (Also, the post uses a video of Bohemian Rhapsody to illustrate the main point.) Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
What Is Basic Figured Bass in Music?
What is figured bass in music? It was a musical shorthand used by harpsichord and organ performers during the Baroque period. However, its influence is still felt today, because it’s at the heart of most college level classical music theory classes. Keep reading to learn what it is and how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Read More
Where Do I Start if I Want to Be Able to Sing A Cappella?
Do you want to be able to sing with an a cappella group while having both great tone and tuning? An a cappella group is an ensemble that performs without instrumental accompaniment. This allows your group to lock in the harmonies, which helps achieve the distinctive vocal blend you find in this style. How do you do this? Through ear training and physical skills instruction. Keep reading “Where Do I Start if I Want to Be Able to Sing A Cappella?” to learn the essential skills you’ll need. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More