1. If you want to improve your sight reading, PRACTICE SIGHT READING!

It is a
learnable skill, just like any other element of clarinet playing. Get any method book,
tude book or hymnal and sit down for a few minutes each practice. Get a timer out
and determine an appropriate amount of music to prepare in 30 seconds. Set your
timer and get going!
2. Look at the tempo/musical description on the piece. Know your common tempo
markings, from Largo to Presto (use your lesson binder insert). Remember, it's
always better to play well than fast.
3. Check your key signature. The best way to get a head start on your sight reading is
to know your scales and arpeggios! Memorize your major scales, all three forms of
minor scales and the chromatic scale.
4. Check the time signature. Skim the music to see if this ever changes.
5. Scan the musical selection for accidentals and check if any notes later in the
measure are also affected by the accidental. Many of the mistakes private teachers,
band directors and sight reading judges hear are accidentals that are dropped mid-
measure. If you notice that you've neglected an accidental during your performance,
don't go back! Do your best to move on and x the problem the next time you
encounter the situation.
6. Identify difcult rhythms. Spend a moment counting the rhythm out so you are not
thrown off when you reach that point in your performance. Keep in mind that some of
the most common rhythmic errors we hear are long notes or rests cut short.
7. Observe the dynamics(!), crescendos and decrescendos, accents, articulation
markings, and any repeats or tempo changes.
8. Scan for patterns. Do you see a scale? An arpeggio? Does the same rhythm repeat
more than once in the measure or does a musical theme return later in the piece?
Identifying patterns will save you preparation time and make the performance less
stressful and more musical.
9. Start ngering through the three most difcult spots in the music. You most likely
won't have time to nger through the entire piece, so use your 30 seconds wisely. If
you have extra time left over, work on the beginning of the selection.
10. Read ahead. This is so essential for a successful sight reading performance! Always
keep your eyes one note (or a beat or more, for advanced players) ahead of the note
you are playing so that the music ows seamlessly throughout the performance.
11. When your 30 seconds expire, start playing. Do not stop! Do not go back to x
mistakes! This should be a relief from the scrupulous, detailed practice you're used
to with music you are preparing for a lesson or performance: let mistakes roll off your
back and just keep playing. You know what you're doing!
12. After you have sight read the piece, reset your timer for 30 more seconds then
identify and address errors you made in the rst run through. When the timer goes
off, play the piece one more time (hopefully better than the rst performance!). After
two readings, move on to your next sight reading selection.
Sight Reading...GO!!
Twelve steps for WOW-inspiring sight
Sight Reading...GO!! By Laura Grant www.grantclarinetstudio.com