The dictionary defines sight-reading as the ability to “read and perform (music) at sight, without preparation.” Most pianists know that this is easier said than done, especially if the music is challenging. So why bother?
Well, sight-reading comes in handy in a number of ways. For example:
You play for a choir, and the director is introducing new, unfamiliar music.
You’re on the worship team at church, and the director wants to do a quick run-through of the songs you’ll be performing at Easter.
You attend a Christmas party and someone asks you to play carols so they can sing along.
And so on. If you’re a pianist, you should work on your sight-reading skills. But how?
(To be continued. . .)