Do you want to know how to teach LD students music? The archive contains posts about teaching LD students music.
Some people say that the acronym LD means Learning Disabilities, while others say that it means Learning Differences.
Both terms have some relevancy. Students with LD usually have average or above average intelligence. However, they have areas where they struggle to learn. Thus, why some call LD learning disabilities, because of the difficulty with learning.
Nevertheless, a case has been made that students with LD learn in an essentially different way. Thus, why some call LD learning differences. This is the view taken in The Successful Music Student blogs.
Having a strong visual-spatial aptitude is linked to both learning disabilities and to talent in music, art, and math.
Look at the bug on the cube below. Which surface does the bug rest on? Front or back?
Did you see the cube flip back and forth? This illusion is called an unstable object. The mind needs more information to resolve the picture. As a result, your brain keeps switching how it sees the cube.
People with LD perceive something similar to this illusion as they see letters, numbers, and musical symbols move around on the page.
Since many people with LD have strong visual-spatial abilities, they are more prone to these types of optical illusions. Therefore, a learning difference can turn into a learning disability.
Intuitive, creative, original thinkers, visual-spatial learners have often had an impact on science, the arts, and sports.
However, when it comes to interpreting abstract symbols, strong spatial abilities can cause problems. The good news? Multisensory teaching can help the LD student learn effectively.
© 2021 Geoffrey Keith
Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page
Are you confused about how to chant the Kodaly rhythm syllables in cut time? Do you wonder if it’s like chanting 2/4 or 4/4 syllables? Don’t worry, this post has you covered! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in cut time.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Has your child or student shown readiness to move on from color coded music notes? The “How to Graduate from Color Coded Music Notes” series will explain how it works. Read more to learn how to transition from the color coding to the clef mnemonics, empowering students to graduate from the color coded sheet music. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Tired of seeing your child or student struggle in music lessons? Have you started to wonder if effective music learning can actually happen? Read more to learn about how to achieve special needs music success.
Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Do you have a hard time sight singing rhythm in time signatures other than 4-4? 2-4 gets used a lot in marches, so you often find it used in patriotic songs, making it worth learning. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 2-4 time.
Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Are you having a tough time reading piano notes for the left hand? (Or are you a piano teacher who has students that can’t read the left hand notes?) Many piano students quit piano because of the hurdle of reading two different clefs. Color coding can bridge the gap and help piano students master the instrument. Read more to learn about playing piano with color coded left hand notes.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Have you gotten the hang of reading rhythm in 4-4 time and want to get a handle on 3-4 time too? 3-4 has a much different feel than 4-4 and expands the types of music you can perform. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time.
Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
I’m honored to announce that I’ve been included in the Marquis Who’s Who biographies. While the biography briefly covers all of my music career, my work with LD and special needs students caught their attention. This led them to decide to include me in their listing. Read more. Estimated reading time 1 minutes.
Do you get confused about the different types of solfege? Which is better for sight singing music? Fixed or moveable Do solfege? Read “Singing Chromatic Solfege Using Shapes Notes” for practical suggestions on how to sing music with lots of sharp and flats.
Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Has your student been playing color coded music notes and is ready to graduate? Have you wondered how to get to your student to play a color free score? The “How to Graduate from Color Coded Music Notes” series will show you how. Read more to understand contour lines and how to use them as the first step toward moving on from the colors.
Estimated reading time 5 minutes.
Do you have a hard time reading piano notes? (Or are you a teacher who has students that struggle with note reading?) Many pianists find note reading a challenge, but especially LD, ADD, and special needs musicians. Read more to learn about playing the piano with color coded notes. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.