How to Improve Your Sight Reading

The question I get asked most is “how can I improve my sight reading?”

This is the number one skill that everyone wants to master.

Sight reading is a skill you can attain. I say attain because it can be learned. If you can’t sight read, it hampers everything you do. Every new piece is a hassle to learn, requests from your friends to play a simple piece of sheet music falls by the way side, and accompanying is almost impossible.

Fortunately, you can learn sight reading fairly easily. You will need to make a regular commitment to set aside 20-30 minutes of your time per day to practice the sight reading techniques.

If you are a beginner, the best time for you to start a sight reading program is after 6 to 9 months. You should choose music pieces that are at least one level below your ability…

You should take the following into consideration:

• Examine the piece first for patterns (measures or lines repeated) and traps (key signatures, accidentals, dynamics and fingering). You can study the piece for as long as you like before you play.

• Play the piece very slowly. You must include every detail on the page. Your goal is accuracy, not speed. You have only one chance to get it right.

• Read ahead. Do not be caught by surprise. As you are playing a note, or chord, your eyes should already be on the next one.

Tip/

To keep your mind alert, you should try to start a piece at a different point each day. You can also pick out the most difficult section of the piece and start there. You will never regret the time you spend learning how to sight-read.

There is a free piano course I have created for you below. It will give you a taster for piano lessons without you having to spend any money. I have given as much information, tips and techniques as possible.

Author Biog Box Graham Howard You can get “Learn How to Play Piano, Read Chords, Understand Rhythm and Read Music”, a free 5-part mini course here: http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/free-online-piano-lessons.html

[You’re free to use this article on your website or newsletter as long as it remains intact and includes the biog box]