I think it's because with the recorder, one note on the page involves positioning several fingers, whereas with the accordion, one note on the page represents one finger (except on the bass side where one finger can play two or three notes at the same time).

I know what you mean, Carol. WHile I've been reading music for piano all my life, I've played the guitar only by ear until recently. Even though I can read guitar music no problem (same staff etc), finding those notes I'm reading on the guitar easily and quickly is a different story. The fingering is different than for piano (the thumbs aren't used or numbered on guitar), which still confuses me to no end.

And it took me a while to get used to the fact that on guitar, the notes sound an octave lower than they are written. I still catch myself automatically "correcting" that which doesn't need correction ... arrggghhhhh ...

John, I meant to thank you for your excellent job clearing up all dot confusion earlier ;-)   And btw, my students and I really enjoyed that "splat" (#) last night - so thanks for that too!

daylia