Reading Music

Problems reading and playing music may be Irlen Syndrome

Unstable notes

With some people who have Irlen, printed characters are not stable, but move, float up or even disappear. This makes reading a score difficult or impossible. The strain of constantly trying to focus also overworks and over-stresses the brain, and may cause fatigue or needing to take frequent breaks.
(Also see Reading Problems)

Black and white perception

What do you notice on this drawing? Do you see a vase or silhouettes of two faces? Do they compete for your attention? The white may compete with the black of notes on a musical staff, which makes reading music difficult to impossible.
(Also see Reading Problems)

Visual Distortions

Many types of visual distortions of written materials can occur with Irlen Syndrome. These make reading notes difficult and frustrating. These also make the brain overwork, causing them to feel fatigue. People with these distortions have great struggle to play an instrument except by "playing by ear".
(Also see Reading Problems)