Dear String parents

As Term 3 comes to an end, it is important that students continue to practice their instruments and their sight reading. Sight reading plays an important part in auditions as it is a demonstration of being ability to read notes, understand musical notation, expression and fluency on his/her instrument. This will be a skill that needs to be practiced over the school holidays keeping in mind Strings ensemble auditions that will be coming up in Term 4.

Sight reading is a challenging skill to develop and requires time and dedication to develop this musical skill. Here are some tips to help improve this skill so you can be envied by your music peers.

1. Preparation

Practice scales, arpeggios, and exercises in different keys. For instance, you may want to practice all scales, arpeggios and technical exercises in the key of G major.

2. The Key Signature

Before playing, have a look at the key signature. What key is the passage in? Is it major, minor or something else. Mentally remind yourself of the finger pattern for this key.

3. Time signature

Look at the time signature. Clap or tap the rhythm of the passage whilst counting the beats out loud. Alternatively, you can use a metronome, or use rhythm sounds whilst tapping the beat. Go over any difficult and tricky rhythms.

4. Say the note names and clap the rhythm

This is especially important for young players who are still learning to read the notes. Saying the notes aloud can help build their ability to read the notes. For older students, instead of saying the note names, they could visualise and familiarise themselves with fingerings whilst saying the rhythm using counting sounds eg, 1 and 2 and 3 and.

5. Observe the tempo and dynamic markings

Look at the tempo and dynamic markings as this gives you an idea of the style, speed and phrasing of the passage,

6. Read ahead

Always try to read a bar or two ahead. This will help you know what’s coming and adjust the fingers/bow accordingly.

7. Try new things

Try out a different music piece every day (from a music book you’re using). Or from the internet, surprise your parents with their favourite movie theme.

8. Have fun.

Enjoy yourselves, don’t’ be too harsh on yourselves if you stumble the first few times, as it is a skill that is a work in progress.

Look forward to seeing you all in Term 4. 

Cheers Ellen (Strings Convenor 2020)

Ensemble rehearsals:          

Got a question?

If it is about your hired instrument or instrumental tutorial please contact your tutor firstly, then our instrument coordinator or strings coordinator if required. For anything else please contact your strings convenor.