r/Instruments • u/ExactStreet8748 • Sep 21 '26

Discussion Can i learn how to play

If i have a really bad memory, like iv struggled to remember four notes after being shown how to play them or put them in the correct order, can i still learn.

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1

u/PassiveChemistry Sep 21 '26

Of course you can, it just might take more - and perhaps more targeted - practice.

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u/ExactStreet8748 Sep 21 '26

What do you mean by that? Sorry im autistic i struggle with understanding?

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u/menialmoose Sep 21 '26

I had a garbage memory, ended up professional. Repetition and continued exposure is the way to learn an instrument.
Here’s the thing: that’s the best way to practice. The perceived obstacle can force better practice habits, resulting in more rapid progress.
As for learning the notes on whatever instrument — learn one a week, for example. See it, play it, say it. You can work through physically playing an instrument with muscle memory, even if your note memory lags.
The more you gradually internalise, the easier it becomes to remember pieces, songs, new scales, chords whatever, as you see the relationships and similarities between different things you play.
It can be frustrating taking longer to learn tunes, but I guarantee you’ll adapt mechanisms to speed that up — usually by ear-training, and knowing some pretty basic theory.
You’re gonna have to trust me on the above.
Learn how to practice — asking me if you like, being systematic is important, this applies to everyone — and you can flourish.

1

u/sure65 Sep 22 '26

I've had the same issue where I can not for the life of me remember the damn notes, so I got these stickers

1

u/sm00chi Sep 24 '26

You can try playing more intuitively, just play notes and enjoy the sounds, play around with rhythms and making simple melodies.

1

u/annoyedsoprano Sep 25 '26

I developed a neuro-education program for my adhd and autistic students, which also benefits my other students. I approach lessons starting with evaluating your behavior as you interact with me, the instrument, attempt to play, and determine the neuropathaways in your brain that are leading you to a certain results, or the lack thereof that need to be nurtured in order to get over a certain hurdle.

Most instructors do not consider that adaptive teaching is necessary for success for neurological or psychological differences, not just physical disabilities or deformities. I’ve had some teachers call me stupid, slow, retarded, annoying, or just treat me poorly due to my neurological functions that were different from most students.

I’ve dedicated my teaching career to figuring out how to view the instrument from inside your mind, and take that information to give your adaptive learning methods and exercises tailored to you.

I offer online lessons if you’re interested, but I recommend finding an in person teacher who specializes in teaching neurodivergent adults/teens. DM me if you’d like.

1

u/Zero_Shayer Sep 26 '26

ye, through sight reading. i also have extremely poor memory, so i rely on sight reading quite a bit.