The Simple View formula demonstrates the widely accepted view that reading has two basic components: decoding and language comprehension. The Music Learning Theory compares learning music with how a child learns language. Understanding both can help educators teach reading music.

The Simple View Formula

Decoding (D) x Language Comprehension (LC) = Reading Comprehension (RC)

1. Decoding: This is the ability to translate the symbols on the page into their corresponding sounds.
2. Language Comprehension: This is about understanding the meaning of those sounds once they’re decoded.

Notice that decoding and language comprehension are not added to predict reading comprehension. They are multiplied. And anything multiplied by zero is zero.

Hoover, W. A., & Gough, P. B. (1990). The simple view of reading. Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2(2), 127-160.

Music Learning Theory

The process of learning music is much the same as that for language. In learning to speak, children first listen. From the time of birth, and even before, they are surrounded by the sounds of language. They absorb these sounds and become attuned to the language of their culture.”

Quote taken from Gordon Institute of Music Learning, “MLT Approach,” retrieved April 13, 2024 from GIML.org

Decoding vs. Comprehension: Applying the Formula to Music Reading

In music reading, “decoding” would be recognizing notes on the staff.  “Language comprehension” would be understanding the musical meaning of those elements.

Both decoding and comprehension are crucial for music reading success. Students who can memorize the alphabet sounds will not enjoy reading if they do not have pictures in their heads of what the words mean. Students who learn to decode music notes will not comprehend what they are playing if they do not have a “picture in their heads” (sound?) of what that is.

“Students taught according to Music Learning Theory learn to read notation… but only after they have developed the ability to audiate the note patterns written on the page. Reading becomes a process of recognition rather than decoding.”

Quote taken from Gordon Institute of Music Learning, “MLT Approach,” retrieved April 13, 2024 from GIML.org

What They Have in Common:

• Focus on Comprehension Before Decoding: Both methods prioritize understanding before focusing on symbol translation.
  • In reading, the Simple View emphasizes language comprehension first. Even if students can decode individual letters, they won’t grasp the meaning without understanding the language.
  • Music Learning Theory highlights developing aural skills (inner hearing) before note reading. This allows students to recognize and understand musical patterns (chords, scales) by ear before translating them to symbols.
• Building on Prior Knowledge: They build upon existing skills for deeper learning.
  • Reading builds on a child’s spoken language foundation. Recognizing common words and phrases becomes easier than decoding every letter.
  • Music Learning Theory leverages a student’s musical experience. By internalizing musical patterns through singing or playing by ear, they can then connect those patterns to written notation.
• Interdependence of Skills: Neither decoding nor comprehension alone leads to proficiency.
  • The Simple View formula emphasizes that strong decoding skills multiplied by weak language comprehension will still result in poor reading comprehension.
  • Music Learning Theory highlights that simply memorizing note symbols (decoding) without internalizing the sounds they represent (comprehension) won’t lead to musical understanding.

Connecting it to the Formula:

• Decoding in music translates to reading music notation.
• Language Comprehension in music translates to aural skills and internalizing musical patterns.
• Reading Comprehension in music translates to understanding and performing the music.

Just like in reading, strong aural skills (comprehension) multiplied by efficient music notation reading (decoding) leads to a deeper understanding and ability to perform music (reading comprehension).

The key takeaway?  Music reading involves more than just memorizing notes.  By being mindful of both “decoding” and “comprehension,”  we can create a more well-rounded approach to teaching our students how to translate those musical symbols into beautiful music!