Reading Notes- Tips and Tricks

Memorize it All

My trick to reading is to memorize everything we've talked about so far, so that it is as second-nature to me as breathing. 

1. All of the scales, and what sharps or flats they have

2. All of the notes on the bass and treble clefs (I don't have the C clefs memorized yet).

3. The way intervals sound, for example, a perfect fifth, a second, a sixth, etc.

Sight Reading? No Problem!

With these memorized, I can sight-read most pieces on the spot. Here's the order of logic in sight-reading:

1. When I first start to sight read a piece, I take a look at the key signature. 

2. The second thing I look at is the time signature - is this piece in 4/4, 3/4, or some other counting system?

3. If I see it has one flat, for example, I know right away it's the key of F. That flat is Bb.

4. I've also memorized that the bottom space on a treble clef is an F. When I see that note, I know that it should sound like Doh in the Doh Re Me scale.

5. Now that I've memorized intervals, when I see an A on the staff, and we're in the key of F, I know that it is the third note of the scale (Me), a third above F (Doh).

With practice and practice, you'll be able to sight-read the first time you see a piece of music. 

Good luck!

Counting Rhythms
Time Signatures
Reading Exercises
Reading Syncopation
Accents and Markings
Basics of Pitches
Intervals
Flats & Sharps
Key Signatures
Clefs & Staves
DS, DC, & Repeat Signs
How to Transpose Music
The Circle of Fifhs
Reading Exercises- Tips

Tools

Music Dictionary

Games

Note Blaster
Piano Key Race
Save the City

Lessons Coming Soon:

Reading Rests
Practicing Effectively