How can I become a better sightreader?

Question

I'm preparing for an audition that includes sight-reading and I want to get better at sight-reading in general. Do you have any advice?

Answer 1

This is a great question!

When I was learning to sightread, I would use an app called Musescore that has user-created sheet music (for movies, tv shows, classical music, etc.). That way, you can have fun playing new music while also learning to read new music. What I would do is play the sheet music without the audio, and then add the audio after I had tried a couple times on my own. I would compare how I played with how it actually sounded and learn from my mistakes that way. After a while, you can learn to see where you mess up.

Answer 2

1) Take a quick look at the piece overall - beginning to end

2) Look at the road map: any repeats, any DS, any Coda, anything else...?

3) Look at the basics: key signature, time signature, key changes

4) Look at the patterns -vs- no-patterns: (scales, common chord progressions [I-IV-V-I], common arpeggios, brokens, solids....

5) Look over the last 8 measures - that is the lasting impression you will give finishing the piece.

Answer 3

Great question!

Look at the piece from beginning to end, and look at the range of the piece, estimating how much of the keyboard it will use.

Establish a reasonable tempo at the beginning (don't go too fast). Observe the key signature and time signature right away.

When sight reading, I tell my students to try to keep their eyes up on the music, because it's easy to lose your place when you look down at the keys, once you get started.

Answer 4

I love this question! Improving sight reading abilities is such an important skill. Rebecca's answers are spot on, I simply would like to add on two things:

Look through the song for the highest and lowest notes to better understand the range of the song. Also look for difficult runs or interval jumps. This will help you anticipate which notes/sections may be difficult to sing.

Secondly, look through the piece from front to back for any special markings like repeats, 1st and 2nd endings, D.S. or D.C. al Coda. etc. These types of things can catch someone off guard if you do not see them ahead of time.

Answer 5

Sightreading is an important skill that will allow you to be confident in many different musical settings. Good for you to want to improve this skill!

Before sightreading a new piece of music, check out the time signature. Be sure you know how many beats per measure, whether you are in simple or compound time. Also check out any tempo markings.

Next, notice the key you are playing in. If you have studied your scales, you should be able to play in a variety of keys. After determining the key, scan the music for accidentals.

Try to audiate (sing the music in your head) before you play it. Take a deep breath and go for it.

Good luck with your sightreading!