While you might think music and math have nothing in common, understanding the different types of music notes is as simple as understanding basic fractions. For example, a quarter note is 1/4 of a whole note. In other words, you can play 4 quarter notes in the time you would play 1 whole note (just as you can play 2 half notes in the time you would play 1 whole note). Each note has a different symbol. The parts of the symbols are the head, the round part of the note, the stem, the line that extends from the head, and the flag, the curved line coming off the stem, like a flag. A whole note is denoted by just an open note head, without any stem or flag. A half note has an open note head and a stem. A quarter note has a closed (filled in) head and a stem. An eighth note has a closed head, a stem, and one flag, whereas 2 together have a single bar joining them. A sixteenth note has a closed head, a stem, and 2 flags or 2 bars joining as many as 4 sixteenth notes. [2] X Research source
When it comes to sight reading, this is the very first thing you will note about a piece, so it’s extremely important that you understand time signatures thoroughly. Practice different rhythm exercises to make yourself feel more comfortable working within different time signatures. [3] X Research source If the time signature is 4/4, that means that each measure contains four quarter notes. The top number refers to the number of beats per measure, and the bottom refers to the type of note being used to measure the beats (in this case, quarter notes). A time signature of 3/4 means there are 3 quarter notes, 6/8 means 6 eighth notes, 3/2 means 3 half notes, and so on. Use a metronome to help keep track of tempo. A number of pieces will have an M. M. with a number and a note showing; this is the intended approximate tempo after it’s fully practiced. Practice at a slower tempo at first, then gradually increase the tempo on the metronome as you get more comfortable with the piece.
To read sharp (major) key signatures, look at the last sharp on the key signature and move a half-step above that. So, if the last sharp is a C, the key would be in D major. To read flat (minor) key signatures, look at the second to last flat (read the flats left to right). If the second to last flat is E, the song is in E-flat major. F major (or D minor) is the exception to this rule as this particular key signature only has one flat (B-flat). If the piece is in a minor key, determine what the major key of the piece would be and go down a minor third to identify the major key’s relative minor. For example, the relative minor of G major is E minor, since this is a minor third below G.
On a treble clef, the line notes spell out EGBDF from bottom to top. Use the mnemonic device, “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge. ” On a treble clef, the space notes spell out FACE from bottom to top. On a bass clef, the line notes spell out GBDFA from bottom to top. Use the mnemonic device, “Good Birds Don’t Fly Away. ” On a bass clef, the space notes spell out ACEG from bottom to top. Use the mnemonic device, “All Cows Eat Grass. ”[5] X Research source
If you’re looking at your hands, you’re not able to let your eyes focus on reading the music. Instrumentalists should also practice sight singing. This will help you work on phrasing, intonation and musicality. Look for key signature changes, repeats, and codas.
Challenge yourself to sight read an entire piece of music without making any mistakes. Whenever your mind begins to wander, refocus and start the piece again.
Cut each measure into 2 parts, and note where the downbeats are. This is a method of interpreting the music in a more relaxed, musical way. Now you can look at 2 beats, or even an entire measure, at a time. This is a lot less chaotic than attempting to count each and every beat.
Also look online for free sheet music websites. Ask your music teacher if they have extra music they’d be willing to let you copy.
Write down what you practiced and how long you practiced in your journal. Practice sight reading slowly. You can always pick up the pace after you feel more comfortable with the music.
Memorize the key signature, divide the music into chunks, note any repeating rhythms and tricky spots, and tune out the day’s distractions. Look for any markings that denote changes in speed, volume or accidentals. If you have permission, mark these changes on your sheet music using a pencil.
Look for places in the music where there are scales or arpeggios. The more familiar you are with the music, the easier it will be to sight read when you actually have your instrument in hand.
If you are a singer or if you play a wind instrument, use a pencil to mark where you should take a breath. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t read the music perfectly your first time out. Sight reading is a skill that takes time to develop. Being able to keep going even when you make a mistake is a critical sight reading skill.
