SIGHT READING

SIGHT READING

This is the practice of reading and performing of a piece of song in a music notation that the performer has not seen or learned before. 

Sight-singing is used to describe a singer who is sight-reading. 

In SIGHT READING, take note of the following:

1.      The Grand Staff: the Grand Staff consists of a treble clef and bass clef. Music is notated on what we call the grand staff. Each note written on the grand staff tells us exactly which key to play. 

2.      Locating Middle C and Reading Notes: Middle C is our anchor of note reading. Many beginner pieces will begin on Middle C.

Here is what Middle C looks like on the staff in sheet music.

3.      Time Signature: The time signature looks like two numbers stacked on top of each other and will be right next to the clef signs, like this:

4.      Note Values:
Today, there are only four different note values that we will focus on. A note value indicates how long you hold the note.

5.      Understanding Rhythm: To make sure you have a solid understanding of note values, let us practice with a couple rhythmic patterns.

 Steps in Sight Reading

Step 1: Locate time signature. Now we know how to count for this piece.

Step 2: Find the first note and briefly study the pattern.

Step 3: Study and clap through the rhythmic pattern.

Step 4: Figure out hand placement.

Step 5: Take a deep breath and prepare to play through the piece SLOWLY. Begin by counting and playing, making sure to hold each note value for its appropriate duration.

Step 6: After reading through the piece once, go ahead and play through it one more time.

Step 7: Repeat this process until you have mastered the piece