Kristine Konrad and Dr. Heidi Hamernik

“Discovering the Process of Reading Music: How to Teach Piano Students of All Reading Abilities”

The International DYSLEXIA Association estimates that dyslexia or reading disability occurs in 15 – 20 percent of the general population and does not discriminate based on intellect or social-economic status.   Reading ability or disability occurs along a continuum and therefore it is highly likely that most piano teachers regularly encounter these students, some with official diagnoses and some unaware of why they struggle to read.  A primary study of piano students led to the discovery that the use of intervention teaching techniques based on a multi-sensory approach significantly helped not only the student with dyslexia, but also the typical reader.  This presentation will help piano teachers and music instructors gain a better understanding of the basic neuropsychological underpinnings of reading disorders and how, from a neuropsychological standpoint, students of all reading abilities may typically approach the task of learning to read music for the piano.  The second part of the presentation will address hands-on, multisensory techniques and interventions to assist piano teachers and music instructors when teaching students with and without dyslexia.