Learn to Read Music

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It looks like a load of gobledeegook to me ... well it will until you know what it represents. To become a good sight-reader takes time and an intimate knowledge of your instrument.

One thing that separates a musician from someone who plays an instrument for fun is usually the ability to sight-read. When the ability to sight-read has been developed, pieces can be learnt faster, much more repertoire is playable without having to memorise the music and you can play in any situation at the drop of a hat if there is music available to read.

If you want to learn to play a musical instrument then sight reading is highly recommended.

Learning this skill can be divided into two parts.

Pitch - the letter name of each note and where it may be found on your instrument.

Rhythm - the value or length of time each note is given before moving on to the next note.

The best way to learn is the way you would practise an instrument ... little and often and not biting off more than you can chew. A little nibble on a regular basis is best!

Learning the piano or keyboard requires the ability to read from two staves, left and right hand, at the same time. The best place to start is with middle C ( the note in between the two staves) and gradually work in both directions, upwards into the treble clef and downwards into the bass clef.