am i right to think this is freaky?

[blossomhillontapplease]

dd11 has had music lessons from being 5. violin flute and now keyboard.
she started lessons in september in yr7 (of which she has missed two). even though she has had various music lessons and been part of an ensemble she has never been able to read music.
at the teachers request we bought her a keyboard today for her to practise on. she has given up on the book given to her by school and turned on the tutorial on the keyboard. in two hours she has taught herself beethoven and another piece of music! although rough around the edges they sound bloody good

what do you think?

i could never read music, and still cant i guess she'll need to know if she wants to write her own music though

I am a musician and I can't read music. Lots of people can't read music but just 'know' music by ear. She must have a good ear. or two. Good on her.

I used to be able to play tunes on the piano. I've never had any lessons and can't read music. I just listen.

Same here. I used to play the organ as a youngster and played by ear. I wouldn't have a clue on reading music. Dd is the same. Just listens and copies it. I suppose if wanting to get into an orchestra then that is different.

My mum taught me the piano by playing bits and I would copy. I was playing Mozart by the age of 7, pretty well, but couldn't read music till I started violin that year. I was grade 8 standard by 13 (only took grade 7, got distinction and gave up!!) I carried on playing in orchestras and so on at school and played by myself for many years.

Some people have a good ear and a natural ability, which you should encourage.

Both of mine are like that. I can read music although pretty rusty these days. They can both sit down at the piano and just get a piece "Right".

i was just taken aback with how quick she picked it up without ever having been remotely good at her other instruments. she has persisted and refused to come away from the keyboard until she is happy with the outcome..........this is also very new!