My goal is to make learning to read music accessible and fun for everyone, especially those who have tried and failed before or otherwise felt held back by age, self-doubt, learning challenges, or the belief that music must only be for the naturally talented.

Having struggled with neurodivergent learning challenges myself, reading music felt impossible, despite pouring my heart into it. I concluded that music wasn’t for people like me and put that dream on the shelf. As I got older, wanting to keep my mind sharp and nerves calm, I invested in a piano, vowing to finally conquer the note-reading dragon. If I failed, I could always fall back on the midlife-crisis sports car.

So I went to work looking for a suitable book or course but couldn’t find any that fit the way my brain works. Along the way, I realized that my learning challenges weren’t the only obstacle to my note-reading success. It turned out that the traditional “Every Good Boy Does Fine” note‑memorizing method that I was taught as a kid was a big part of the problem. It forces you to rely on a complex set of mnemonics instead of teaching how notes relate to each other.

Read: Why Every Good Boy Doesn’t Do Fine.

When I discovered landmark notes (a.k.a. “reference notes,” “anchor notes,” or “guide notes”), I was shocked that mnemonics were still the dominant teaching method. I was also a bit annoyed by all the time I’d wasted and the needless self‑blame. [ Shakes fist at heavens ]

What’s more, listening to others’ experiences made it clear the traditional methodology had failed lots of people. So, I decided to create the course I wish I’d found, ditching counterproductive mnemonics for a visually symmetrical system that finally makes the staff click.

But I knew landmarks alone weren’t enough—other courses teach them, but the concepts are often poorly explained and the pedagogy isn’t designed with struggling learners in mind. I wanted to design a holistic learning experience that draws on research-backed learning principles: engaging storytelling, clear explanations, thoughtfully structured micro-lessons, color coding, interactive videos, animated illustrations, evidence-based FSRS spaced-repetition exercises, humor, and a dash of mindfulness to help with being present and focused.

I won’t lie: it will take real effort. But I’m here to tell you that I slayed the note-reading dragon—and I believe you can too. So whatever your age, wiring, or limiting beliefs, almost anyone can learn to read music with an effective methodology, consistent practice, and the right mindset. Why not give it a try?

Sign up to watch a free video lesson.

— Woods