Music and Dyslexia: The Therapeutic Use of Instrument (Piano) Training with a Child with Dyslexia (A Case Study)

Abstract

Dyslexia is defined as a difficulty in learning at an expected level according to age, intelligence and education that is given, even though the intelligence level of the individual is normal or above normal. Individuals with dyslexia have difficulties in many developmental areas that can be considered in the scope of music therapy. Interventions using multi-and-interdisciplinary approaches can support children with dyslexia to overcome their difficulties. There are studies showing that music interventions involving children with dyslexia provide both therapeutic and educational support for these children. In this study, instrument training as an intervention that helps children with dyslexia will be presented by referring the effects of music on the learning process. Instrument training sessions in which the piano was preferred as an agent, were carried out once a week for 45 minutes throughout an 8 month period. Various supplementary musical activities such as sight reading and writing notes, rhythmic exercises, improvisation trials and public performing were included in the process. During the sessions, the child was systematically reinforced. All the sessions were recorded with a video-camera and the recordings were analyzed and reported in the form of descriptive analysis. Findings refer positive progress in all developmental areas especially in social and emotional development in addition to the musical development while music made a significant effect on motivating the child with dyslexia and a significant role in contributing to the learning process.

Keywords: Dyslexia, Music, Instrument Training.