A student with LD tendencies came to me barely able to play. Although the piano lessons were one-on-one, her previous teacher was public school certified. In addition, the teacher had experience teaching special needs students.
Her solution was to teach the LD student by ear. While ear learning does have its place in lessons, there needs to be a balance. The student failed to recognize the notes, use the correct fingers or hand positions when she first came to me. It was almost like she had never taken lessons.
I will admit that the student was a challenge. However, after two months of studying with me, she played songs with hands together, using the correct hand positions and fingering. Also, she had learned note, interval, and rhythm concepts. When her instruction improved, so did ability to perform.