Sight Reading Exercises - David He

Student Level

Excerpt (Piece Title, Level & Book Info., Page Number, Measure Numbers)

Four Steps for Sight Reading Success

Level 1

Marching by Dmitri Kabalevsky. Prep A, P. 4, m. 1-4. 

1. Clap two measures with the right pulse. In this piece, I would clap the first four meters as an introduction. The first beat is sighing note, which should be played as strong beat. I would describe this concept later. After I clap a measure, I would let the child clap after me. 

2. I would let the student sing the notes without pulse. When they can read it correctly, I would let them find the notes on the keyboard.

3. Hands separation practice is important. I would let them play the right hand firstly, and then the left-hand chords. This is a double treble clef piece. I would let them play the major chords of F-A-C, G-B-D, A-C-E, and B-D-F. 

4. I would let them play all the keys of the right hand altogether while left hand play the chords. The first two measures share the same right-hand pattern, and m.3-4 share the same. After that, I encourage them to play the first four measures slowly by themselves. 

Level 2

A Song by Alexander Gedike. Prep B, P. 19, m. 5-8. 

1. I would ask them the basic signals of these measures after me giving them half a minute to observe and think about it. Pay attention to the F sharp notes and circle all of them. Let them know how to play Piano. 

2. Let the student clap by themselves directly. After that, I would give him the speed 80 of a half note and let them clap two times with the Metronome.

3. Play right hand firstly and left hand. Because this one is synchronous play, students may play it correctly after this training. 

4. Turn on the Metronome while students play this piece and leave homework for them to demonstrate staccato and tied group of notes. 

Level 3

Climb up on an Elephant by Nancy Telfer. Level 1, P. 21, m. 1-4. 

1. Explain why the anacrusis cannot be deemed as a full measure. Count the six meters from the last measure of this piece. Tell the students how to tap six meters. Since the two hands all play under the bass clef, find the correct playing section. 

2. Practice B flat major chord and II46 chord three times each. Try to let the student find the fingering noted on the chords. 

3. Let the student know why the dotted quarter notes should be played three meters. 

4. Practice rest by ignoring all of them firstly, and then practice them by tapping on the table. After that let the student combine the two hands together. 

Level 4

Etude in C Major by Carl Czerny. Level 1 Etudes, P. 5, m. 1-4. 

1. Give the students one minute to observe all the information in the first four measures. 

2. Explain what is 3 meters and tap a 3/8 pulse to the student. 

3. Practice the base melody separately, which can be omitted. 

4. Practice the C major chord in a higher octave for three times. After that, combine the two hands together.