Music Lessons for Children with Dyslexia
Rhythm-focused, research-informed lessons - drawing on our founder's PhD work on music and reading development.
Music lessons can be a particularly good fit for children with dyslexia - and at CogniMusica, this is one of the areas where our research background most directly shapes how we teach. Our founder Justyna Skop-Wach is a PhD researcher in Psychology at the University of Dundee, studying exactly how musical rhythm supports language and reading development in children. That research informs every lesson.
What the Research Shows
There's strong and growing evidence linking musical rhythm processing with phonological awareness - the skill of recognising and manipulating the sound structures of language that underpins reading. Children with dyslexia often have differences in rhythm processing, and rhythm-focused musical training may support the development of phonological skills. This is the specific area our founder's PhD research explores. We don't claim music cures dyslexia - but we do say it can be a genuinely constructive part of a child's overall development.
Our Approach
Our lessons for children with dyslexia put rhythm and listening at the centre. Notation is taught alongside aural and rhythmic skills rather than as the primary entry point, so reading music never becomes the bottleneck that holds the child back. We use multi-sensory teaching - speaking, clapping, moving, and singing rhythms - to build internal pulse and pattern recognition.
- Rhythm and aural training prioritised alongside notation
- Multi-sensory teaching - speaking, clapping, moving, singing rhythms
- Notation introduced gradually and supported visually
- Clear, structured practice plans to take home
- Tutors trained to recognise and adapt to learning differences
- Honest pacing that celebrates real progress without rushing
How Sessions Work
Lessons take place in our Dundee or Bo'ness studios, in your home, or online. Sessions are 40 minutes or 60 minutes, weekly or twice-weekly. We work with children across all instruments - violin, piano, viola, guitar, electric guitar, and singing - and adapt our approach based on what works for your child specifically.
PVG Checked
Every tutor is PVG checked through Disclosure Scotland.
ABRSM Curriculum
Tuition aligned with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Cognitive Science
Informed by ongoing PhD research at the University of Dundee.
If you're looking for music lessons that genuinely understand the relationship between music, rhythm, and reading, you're in exactly the right place. Sign up or get in touch to discuss your child's needs.
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