Reading software?

mlowe · #1 09-03-2008, 05:59 AM

Hi all,

Have any of you guys ever used or know of software that can be used to aid reading notation? Something that has exercises and builds up from scratch. Play to etc.

I really regret not being able to read and finding it more and more limiting. Still like to develop the ear as much as possible but would love to sight read.

I did a search and did find some threads on software for composition but i'm not sure if that really is the right fit.

Cheers

soulgaard1 · #2 09-03-2008, 06:34 AM

I used to use Band in a Box a lot.
It can show notation of the lines it "makes up" - while playing it. Allowing you to play along to them in a tempo you choose.
With all the styles and tunes available. This makes up an endless source of good reading material.

Another good tool is Sibelus (or Finale, Cubase or similar notation tools). It can import midifiles, and show the scores.
While much of the produced material is less than nice to read, it still provides a bottomless source of readingmaterial due to all the free midifiles which can be found on the net.
You can even transpose on the fly, decide the fixed key and cleff, making the posibillities almost endless.

Good luck

- Per

Hellbastard · #3 09-03-2008, 06:55 AM

Sibelius is a really good tool, but the price is quite high (IMO). Maybe you should try using this first http://www.musictheory.net/trainers/html/id82_en.html and use it combination with your bass.

steve66 · #4 09-03-2008, 07:03 AM

I say the best way to learn to read is just by doing it. Find some sheet music (without tab) of a song you already know. Follow along.

Use this to help identify where the notes are on the bass.

mlowe · #5 09-05-2008, 06:51 PM

Thanks guys, that chart is pretty good, in all the books I have none have it like that. Straight to the printer! I'll check out the software too as I've just bought a korg synth and midi interface so I guess it all ties together anyway.

lobey · #6 09-05-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve66

I say the best way to learn to read is just by doing it. Find some sheet music (without tab) of a song you already know. Follow along.

Use this to help identify where the notes are on the bass.

That's exactly what I've been looking for! Where did you find it?

mlowe · #7 09-05-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobey

That's exactly what I've been looking for! Where did you find it?

It amazes me that in all the books it's never simply display this way. I guess it's a bass fretboard/reading thing not a generic bass.

lobey · #8 09-05-2008, 07:30 PM

I've looked in a good amount of books too, and I couldn't find anything like this.

pendergasta · #9 09-05-2008, 07:35 PM

I'm really surprised noone has suggested this yet. If you haven't checked out Studybass.com, you should give it a good look.
This is his Bass Clef study program. It has really helped me with sight reading. Use this in conjunction with his reading lessons (IT'S ALL FREE) Try it, it's fun actually.

http://www.studybass.com/tools/bass-clef-notes/

Aaron

mlowe · #10 09-05-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pendergasta

I'm really surprised noone has suggested this yet. If you haven't checked out Studybass.com, you should give it a good look.
This is his Bass Clef study program. It has really helped me with sight reading. Use this in conjunction with his reading lessons (IT'S ALL FREE) Try it, it's fun actually.

http://www.studybass.com/tools/bass-clef-notes/

Aaron

hey, thanks that whole site is good