Need help learnin to sight read

[kelto]

I have been playing for roughly 5 years and i have never gotten around to learning how to sight read, i can improv in modes etc and i know how to play in a group setting but i really need to learn to read sheet music and im trying to teach myself but i was wondering if there are tips anyone on the forum would like to give me?

comment and suggestions welcome also

[Muusers]

Get a stave book and write down random notes in either sign. Then name the notes under there. Do this every day for half an hour or so. You can read within no time

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by kelto

I have been playing for roughly 5 years and i have never gotten around to learning how to sight read, i can improv in modes etc and i know how to play in a group setting but i really need to learn to read sheet music and im trying to teach myself but i was wondering if there are tips anyone on the forum would like to give me?

comment and suggestions welcome also

grab a method book
that and do the exercises.......try to do short sessions several times a day,and you will probably progress quickly......always remember to count,even if the piece is familiar....

[MalcolmAmos]

I'm using Carol Kaye's music reading course w/manual - about $30 with shipping. I like it.

She starts you with counting the beats, i.e. is the note a down beat or one of the "e an a" notes. That really points out which are the "important" notes and how all those rests, slurs, etc are going to fit into the picture.

When you get a feel for the rhythm - meter - then you take that to your bass and find where the notes are located.

I believe playing from standard notation is a three stage process.

1. Looking at the sheet music, which are the important notes and which are the "e an a" notes.
2. What is the name of that fly speck.
3. Where is it on my instrument.

So there is some homework to do before you start sounding notes on your instrument.

Of course IMHO.