Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015

Monday 5 October 2015

The Royal College of Music is pleased to once again be taking part in Dyslexia Awareness Week, running this year from 5-11 October.

The RCM’s Student Services supports students with dyslexia in a variety of ways, from offering extra time for assignments and exams and alternative assessment methods, to providing music-specific software, such as Auralia, to assist with aural training.

Student Services Manager Lynnette Easterbrook says: ‘‘Many people think that being dyslexia means that you have difficulties with spelling; they do not realise that it can impact on a number of different activities. Dyslexic students can have difficulties with time management and organisation, music memorisation, sight–reading, aural – even playing scales – as well as academic issues such essay writing and reading. Getting the right support to learn strategies to deal with all this can make all the difference.  Come to Student Services for a confidential chat and free screening”

Soprano Natasha Day, who completed her undergraduate studies with First Class Honours and graduated from the RCM International Opera School this year, says: “My professors have been so supportive with my academic studies at the RCM. I do not see dyslexia as a limitation, it’s a different way of thinking and it has opened me up to new creative processes. I have devised methods for coping with speedy memorisation of huge amounts of music and spoken dialogue. But I couldn’t have done this without support and understanding. I shall be eternally grateful to the RCM for their help and dedication.”

Organised by the British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Awareness Week is an annual event that aims at not just raising awareness, but also showcasing the amazing achievements that people with dyslexia have made. The theme for 2015 is 'Making Sense of Dyslexia' and will look at how much of an impact the right support and interventions can have on the future for people with dyslexia.