← Reading & Marking Up Music · Sight-reading · about 15 min
Sight-reading routine
A 60-second checklist to read new music with confidence.
What is sight-reading?
Sight-reading is playing music you've never seen before. It's a skill, and a routine makes it easier.
The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to keep going and to make music.
The 60-second scan
Key signature
How many sharps or flats? Which scale is that?
Time signature
How many beats per measure? Tap it out.
Tempo
Pick a speed slow enough that you won't stop.
Hard spots
Scan for accidentals, big jumps, and tricky rhythms.
Clap or count the rhythm
Count the hardest line out loud before you play.
Play. Don't stop.
Keep the beat going even if you miss a note. Keep going.