10 Tips For Sight Reading Music

1. Familiarize yourself with a variety of rhythms.

2. Memorize key signatures at-a-glance.

3. Know your scales forward and backward.

4. Practice playing without looking at your hands.

5. Practice sight singing.

6. Take a minute to examine the piece you’re sight reading. Tap out the rhythm, read through the notes and follow the structure.

7. Mentally commit changes in key or time signature within the piece.

8. Make markings on the paper (or on your tablet/iPad), if allowed.

9. Sound the whole piece out in your head, recognizing patters.

10. Breathe, relax and keep going, even if you make a mistake.

11. Never leave home without your sheet music pencil!

Do you have additional tips for sight reading music that you’ve found helpful? Do you have a sight reading success story to share? Please let us and your fellow musicians know in the comments below!