4 Ways to Master Sight Reading

Nov 2

Mastering sight reading is all about being able to absorb and process details when put on the spot, and respond effectively and efficiently — a great skill to have in music and life in general.

So, how do you become proficient at sight reading? We sat down with examiner and adjudicator, Dr. Raul Velasco, and he discussed 4 things you can do to improve your sight reading.

Consistent, Regular Practice

Like mastering any skill, the key to improving your sight reading is consistent and structured practice. Instead of cramming a few weeks before an exam—which leads to minimal progress—make sight reading a regular part of your practice from the very start.

Sight reading practice doesn’t have to be extensive! Taking small, consistent steps can lead to significant improvements over time. To get started, ask your teacher to help you choose the sight reading material—this is usually a couple of levels below what you’re currently playing.

Quick Studies

What are quick studies? Here’s how it works: each week, have your teacher assign a couple of pieces that are slightly below your current level, and aim to learn them within that week. For example, if you’re playing at a level 6, try tackling a piece from level 4. By selecting easier pieces, you can focus on building sight reading fluency without being worried about getting bogged down by unfamiliar, technical challenges.

The goal of quick studies isn’t to be performance-ready; instead, focus on playing through the pieces from start to finish with the correct notes and rhythm. Over time, as you master these quick studies, you’ll naturally see improvement in your sight reading skills.

Look Ahead

A key component to proficient sight reading is being able to look ahead at what’s coming up in the music. One effective way of practicing this is to have your teacher hold up a card and move it along while you play, covering parts of the music you are currently playing. This forces you to look ahead at the next bars and prepare for what’s next in the music.

Just like driving, where you need to keep an eye on the road ahead, effective sight reading requires you to stay aware of what’s coming next in the music. Doing so will help you maintain flow and continuity in your performance.

Know What to Prioritize in Exams

So, you’ve practiced your sight reading consistently and are ready for your exam. What are the examiners looking for in the sight reading portion? At lower levels, it’s all about playing the correct notes and rhythm. As the levels increase, you’ll be expected to incorporate phrasing, dynamics, and articulations into your playing.

The most important aspect of successful sight reading in an exam is maintaining the flow of the music. If you make a mistake, don’t stop or go back to correct it—this is where you can incur heavy point deductions! Instead, keep the rhythm going and play through to the next beat. Counting the beats in your head is essential to maintaining this flow in your music. Remember, if you stumble, don’t dwell or stop; just jump back in on the next beat and keep going.

Why Does Sight Reading Matter?

Sight reading is taught and practiced for a reason—and it’s not just because it’s tested on exams! Developing your sight reading abilities is vital for becoming a well-rounded musician. Being proficient in sight reading allows you to quickly grasp elements of a new piece—not just the notes and rhythm, but also details like phrasing and dynamics. This gives you a head start when learning new music, saving you time and making your practice more efficient. So, commit to developing your sight reading skills—it's an investment that will pay off!