Every Good Boy Does (NOT Do) Fine
My husband, Steven, is a classically trained musician. He’s taught many children how to play the piano using the ubiquitous Alfred books. They learn to read the notes using those mnemonics we’ve all heard, like “Every Good Boy Does Fine” or “FACE.” For the most part, each new student progresses pretty quickly through these simple tunes. However, he came to a roadblock in 2012 with a little girl who wanted to learn to play but just couldn’t learn the notes. While her sister moved through book after book, Ashley (not her real name) stayed put in Book 1 for months. Ashley practiced diligently. She put effort into her skills. She was an engaging, bright girl. What was going on?
Steven told me that Ashley had to start at the bottom of the staff and use the mnemonic to figure out every single note. Even if Ashley had been working on the piece for weeks, it was as if she hadn’t seen it before. Because the notes were always unfamiliar, she could not put the piece together in a polished, fluid way. This was not what little Ashley had been expecting from her piano lessons. She began to be very discouraged, and so was Steven!
In the meantime, Ashley was struggling with reading and spelling. Her reading was slow and labored. She often missed little words and the endings of longer words. If she figured out a word on one page, it was no guarantee she would recognize it on the next. No matter how much she studied her spelling words, she forgot them on test day.
Finally, her parents and teachers learned that Ashley was dyslexic. Sequencing was difficult for her, which explained why she could not remember the notes on the staff. Steven put away the Alfred books and began teaching her to play by ear. The result? A relieved and happy piano teacher and a thriving, creative pianist.
Has your musically inclined child struggled to read music? What methods have worked best for your child?
Hey there!
We’re Nashville Dyslexia Center, your go-to stop for online dyslexia tutoring. We’re here to help overwhelmed parents get the reading help they need. Our mission? To see your child thrive - both academically and personally.
TESTS OF DYSLEXIA
Concerned about dyslexia but unsure where to start? Get started with the diagnostic index.
VIDEO RESOURCES PLAYLIST
01. About NDC
Hear from two clients and their childs’ success.
02. Getting a Diagnosis
for dyslexia
03. Language Development
Insight from a Speech Language Pathologist
GET STARTED
READ THE LATEST POSTS
Episode 1: Jacob Blumenstein of KidsRead2Kids
In Episode 1 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Jacob Blumenstein, founder of KidsRead2Kids, shares his passion for helping struggling readers find confidence and joy in reading. This inspiring conversation explores how early experiences with literacy challenges can spark meaningful work, and how compassion, creativity, and structured guidance make a real difference for learners of…
Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver
Understanding whether a child has dyslexia can be both empowering and overwhelming for families. In Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver, the Nashville Dyslexia Center brings clarity to the dyslexia assessment process by talking with Dr. Klaver — an experienced neuropsychologist — about what evaluations involve, when to seek one, and how results…
Episode 3: Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton
Dyslexia is most often defined by language-based learning differences — difficulties with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency. But there’s another side to dyslexia that isn’t talked about as often: the emotional experience. In the Nashville Dyslexia Center video “Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton,” families are guided through how dyslexia can impact…
Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life
When a child struggles with reading, it affects the whole family. Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life offers an honest and heartfelt look at one parent’s dyslexia journey. Nicole Holcomb — educator, attorney, and founder of Dyslexia Mom Life — shares her family’s experience with dyslexia, including early concerns, the emotional impact,…
Episode 5: Author Cigdem Knebel of Simple Words Books
Dyslexia doesn’t just challenge readers — it also inspires creators. In Episode 5: Author Çiğdem Knebel of Simple Words Books, the Nashville Dyslexia Center highlights how one author’s understanding of dyslexia fuels her mission to make reading more approachable and joyful for children. This episode celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the power of thoughtful book design…
Episode 6: Andra Harris, Author of Magnificent Meg
In Episode 6 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, author Andra Harris shares a compelling story of creativity, resilience, and advocacy. Known for her book Magnificent Meg, Andra opens up about her personal journey with dyslexia — transforming her experiences into a creative work that not only entertains, but empowers young readers who may feel…
Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective — A Real Look at Dyslexia and the Family Journey
Every family’s experience with dyslexia is unique, but there are common threads that many parents recognize: early confusion, unanswered questions, and the desire to find help that actually works. In Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective, the Nashville Dyslexia Center shares a heartfelt and honest conversation with a parent whose child has navigated reading struggles, evaluations,…
Episode 8: Marc Hoffman, Educational Entrepreneur and Dyslexic
In Episode 8 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Marc Hoffman shares a candid and inspiring story about growing up with dyslexia and later becoming an educational entrepreneur. His journey highlights how struggling with a learning difference doesn’t have to limit a person’s potential — and in many cases, it can shape strengths that lead…
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO READ TODAY?
Search
