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How to Sight-Read During Practice and Piano Instruction

One of the most challenging (and scariest) tasks you must do during piano instruction is to sight- read. Basically, it is reading and playing music without first practicing. This is an important skill that you should learn as a pianist, even if you are a beginner. While sight-reading can seem overwhelming and frightening at first, you can use some useful methods to improve your sight-reading skills.

While sight-reading, such as during piano instruction, NEVER QUIT! Yes, there may seem to be a million notes on the page jumping out at out, and you may feel that you are going to have a heart attack. But remember that it is not the end of the world! Ultimately, sight-reading will improve your piano playing skills, but make sure to finish what you start playing.

Remember that the essence of sight-reading is to play a piece that is new to you. Thus, when practicing sight-reading before your next piano instruction session, only sight-read a particular piece once or twice. This will ensure that the sight-reading will fairly test your piano playing skills. If you were to sight-read the same piece 100 times then you would basically defeat the purpose of the activity.

Next, whether you are sight-reading during practice or piano instruction, it is highly advisable that you use a metronome. Not only is it important for you to play the right notes, but you should also use the proper rhythm. It is okay if you set the metronome to a slow rhythm during piano instruction, but make sure to use it nonetheless.

Why is using a metronome important? Consider the fact that when dancing, you not only want to do the right moves, but also do them at the right time. Similarly, whether you are practicing or receiving piano instruction, it is critical to play the piece rhythmically, rather than just focusing on playing all the right notes on the paper.

Besides using the proper rhythm, also use a consistent tempo throughout the piece's playing. Whether you are receiving piano instruction or simply practicing, select a tempo that you can sustain throughout the sight-reading of the entire piece.

One of the most obvious yet effective ways to improve your sight-reading skills is to do it often. Then you will be prepared if you must do it during piano instruction. If you are a new student of piano, then it is particularly important to try sight-reading a piece that is both short and simple. The reason you should pick such a piece is that you will be challenged, yet not inundated. While sight-reading can be quite challenging, if you believe that you can master a piece, then it will be much easier, whether you are playing it while practicing or during piano instruction.

One of the best means of piano instruction is learning through Rocket Piano. It will provide you with the skills needed for both sight-reading and standard practicing of pieces. While a host of online piano instruction sites are available, Rocket Piano will help your piano playing skills to skyrocket!

Ultimate Piano Instruction For Beginners
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