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Sight Reading for Pianists

Introduction
Hey guys, it's James here. I'm going to talk to you briefly about sight reading, which is a part of the Rock School exams and also a very important aspect of being a performing pianist.

The Importance of Sight Reading

Pianists, often in the rock, pop, jazz, and funk worlds, do not necessarily have as good sight reading skills as our classical music counterparts. However, even though much of the music we play is very aural-based and relies on our ears, developing sight reading skills is crucial.

Why It Matters:

• Music Theatre: Essential for reading big band music.
• Session Work: A necessary skill in daily life.
• Efficiency: Helps make rehearsals quicker and less stressful with complicated music.

My Experience with Sight Reading

Personally, I came to sight reading quite late and felt I struggled with it at a young age. Looking back, I wish I had developed these skills much earlier, it would have made my musical journey easier.

• Age Matters: You can improve your sight reading at any age, but starting young provides greater satisfaction in playing music.

Challenges of Piano Sight Reading

The most challenging aspect of piano sight reading is the presence of two staves. This adds complexity compared to other instruments because you'll often encounter:

• Chords
• Different lines on each stave
• Contrary motion and counterpoint

Tips for Effective Sight Reading

Like all piano music, the key to mastering sight reading is to take it slow. It's an incremental process:

1. Start Simply: Gradually move to more complex pieces.
2. Work Through Grades: Each grade in the Rock School exams presents new challenges.

The Cat Trap Formula

To assist with sight reading, I have a formula called CAT TRAP (K A T T R A P). Here's what to look out for:

• C - Key:

  • Determine the key signature (e.g., F, C, G major, G minor, E minor).
  • Important to recognize accidentals.

• A - Articulation:

  • What is the phrasing? Look for staccato lines, tenuto lines, or slurs.
  • Don't miss these essential markings.

• T - Tempo:

  • How fast is the piece? For example, 50 bpm vs. 120 bpm changes how you approach playing.
  • Watch for any tempo guidance.

• T - Time Signature:

  • Determines the number of beats in a bar.
  • Commonly in 4/4, but can often occur in 3/8, 5/4, 7/4, etc.
  • Breakdown patterns for rhythm clarity.

• R - Repeats:

  • Indicates sections that repeat (look for no. lines).
  • Important not to miss these, as they can upset the flow.

• A - Accidentals:

  • Extra sharps or flats not in the key signature; essential for accuracy.
  • Make a mental note of their locations.

• P - Patterns:

  • Recognizing shapes and chords helps speed up reading.
  • Familiarity with common patterns allows quick transitions.

Conclusion

Sight reading is an essential, yet challenging skill that requires practice. Remember, don't panic, it's a journey.

Final Tips:

• Start a bit above your comfort level, and gradually progress.
• Think of sight reading like lifting weights: start with something manageable, and build strength over time.

Remember CAT TRAP:

Key, Articulation, Tempo, Time Signature, Repeats, Accidentals, Patterns, and most importantly, Don't Panic!