Sir — I would like to bring to the attention of your readers Dyslexia Awareness Week (November 3-9), which this year is focusing on encouraging organisations to provide publications in alternative formats. Dyslexic individuals who read by viewing or by listening are thereby able to access text more easily. More details are available from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk and from Oxford Dyslexia Association www.oxdys.org.uk which has a voiced option of the text on its website.

As a recently co-opted member of the music committee of the BDA, I would also like to explain how dyslexia might affect the reading and performing of music. Most people these days are familiar with the problems of literacy, numeracy and organisation which many dyslexic individuals experience.

However it is less well known that the presence of a degree of dyslexia can also affect ‘musical literacy’ — the reading of the notes, the establishment of a steady rhythm and performance of music at sight. Nevertheless it is also a fact that there are many highly talented dyslexic musicians who have managed to find ways around their problems and who have come up with innovative and inspiring solutions in spite of their dyslexia.

Readers might like to know about two very interesting books which have been published by the BDA — (Music and Dyslexia: Opening New Doors and A Positive Approach published by Wiley Press). Many of the authors are dyslexic musicians themselves and an inspiration to all of us.

Carolyn King, Abingdon