Sight reading frustrations

bassinplace · #1 03-04-2011, 01:50 PM

Hi,

I'm playing some sheet music and I seem to run into this problem when sight reading. I can read it and know what I should play, but my ear hears something else and pulls my fingers away from the notation. It's lack of focus. Focus is boring. Necessary, but boring. It's like I've got two paths opening up at the same time but for the job at hand I must pick the one that tells me to play what's written. Any tips on how to stay focused? I know, dumb question. Just had to get it out of my system.

dtsamples · #2 03-04-2011, 01:58 PM

You should count when you sight read. It will keep you focused. Your mind starts to wander because you aren't engaged in the task enough. This happens to me sometimes, especially during the easier parts. I start thinking about things to improvise, then before you know it a tricky line comes along and I'm lost. Counting will keep you focused on what you're playing.

Stumbo · #3 03-04-2011, 02:15 PM

My non-music suggestion: vitamins: Super B Complex,D3 and a multi-vitamin. Changed my life.

Improved memory(short/long term recall), concentration/focus and energy/calmness level. Reduced irritability and getting upset about things that didn't really matter.

Might work for you. No downside to trying it. At least look into it. Lots of science references on the interweb.

Another thing to consider, do you lose focus when doing non-music related hobbies/chores/study? Is your attention limited there as well?

YMMV and all that.

Let us know how it goes.

JimmyM · #4 03-04-2011, 02:22 PM

so basically you're saying that you're like pretty much everyone else when they sight read a new piece

i've always been known as a pretty good sight reader, certainly not the best, but pretty good. the reason for that is that i've learned to recognize certain rhythms when i see them on paper. but it takes a lot of sight reading to get to that point. it's something you have to practice every day. start with stuff that's easy to read. and if you make mistakes, don't worry about it...it's perfectly fine to make mistakes unless you're in a performance situation. but i've found that in performance situations, most of the stuff you'll be reading isn't all that hard to sight read, unless of course you're playing bebop.

i like what jeff berlin says about it..."give yourself permission to make mistakes."

bassinplace · #5 03-04-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtsamples

You should count when you sight read. It will keep you focused. Your mind starts to wander because you aren't engaged in the task enough. This happens to me sometimes, especially during the easier parts. I start thinking about things to improvise, then before you know it a tricky line comes along and I'm lost. Counting will keep you focused on what you're playing.

I do keep my foot going. I have a Carol Kaye dvd where she recommends physically marking the down beats on the sheet. Maybe I should start doing that.

bassinplace · #6 03-04-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

so basically you're saying that you're like pretty much everyone else when they sight read a new piece

i've always been known as a pretty good sight reader, certainly not the best, but pretty good. the reason for that is that i've learned to recognize certain rhythms when i see them on paper. but it takes a lot of sight reading to get to that point. it's something you have to practice every day. start with stuff that's easy to read. and if you make mistakes, don't worry about it...it's perfectly fine to make mistakes unless you're in a performance situation. but i've found that in performance situations, most of the stuff you'll be reading isn't all that hard to sight read, unless of course you're playing bebop.

i like what jeff berlin says about it..."give yourself permission to make mistakes."

Bingo. I need to cut myself a little slack once in awhile.

BigOldHarry · #7 03-04-2011, 03:18 PM

I agree with what folks are saying: Slog through it and you'll be fine...

But I have to say - when I saw this line:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassinplace

Hi,
... It's lack of focus. Focus is boring....

All I could say is "KIDS THESE DAYS!"

I find that Focus isn't "Boring" nearly so much as that it just isn't EASY. Maintaining focus on any task takes work. Boring? No. Frustration? Very possibly. The mind wanders, and with all the distractions around (cell phones/computer games/TV) it's just plain hard. Get yourself into a room with NO GADGETS and go to work. I find that it does help to be away from the toys...

bassinplace · #8 03-04-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I agree with what folks are saying: Slog through it and you'll be fine...

But I have to say - when I saw this line:

All I could say is "KIDS THESE DAYS!"

I find that Focus isn't "Boring" nearly so much as that it just isn't EASY. Maintaining focus on any task takes work. Boring? No. Frustration? Very possibly. The mind wanders, and with all the distractions around (cell phones/computer games/TV) it's just plain hard. Get yourself into a room with NO GADGETS and go to work. I find that it does help to be away from the toys...

That is an important distinction you point out. I just don't enjoy sight reading much, which is a shame because I want to be a well rounded player. In order to reach that goal, I think this is a skill I need to have. I will say I'm just about the least gadget guy you'll ever meet. No cell phone, tv, or social networking accounts. My toys are my bass, my amp, 'puter for my music (I do get quite a bit of use out of You Tube though, I'm sure sometimes too much but it really is an awesome resource), and my music stand/books. Well, I guess it's back to the salt mines.

Thanks for the support, all.

mambo4 · #9 03-04-2011, 04:54 PM

Focus is the opposite of boredom.

bassinplace · #10 03-04-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambo4

Focus is the opposite of boredom.

Very true.

Skitch it! · #11 03-04-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

so basically you're saying that you're like pretty much everyone else when they sight read a new piece

i've always been known as a pretty good sight reader, certainly not the best, but pretty good. the reason for that is that i've learned to recognize certain rhythms when i see them on paper. but it takes a lot of sight reading to get to that point. it's something you have to practice every day. start with stuff that's easy to read. and if you make mistakes, don't worry about it...it's perfectly fine to make mistakes unless you're in a performance situation. but i've found that in performance situations, most of the stuff you'll be reading isn't all that hard to sight read, unless of course you're playing bebop.

+1, Rhythmic recognition was a point of practise for reading while I studied years back, it was recognised that identifying the notes on the stave was an easier task than recognising rhythms. Getting familiar with common rhythmic values is a good way ahead for 'reading ahead'.

StyleOverShow · #12 03-04-2011, 06:13 PM

It's reading ahead that gets me!...A couple of years back I was working with a scripted 'jazz' group and it wasn't any fun. I just sat there sweating bullets reading away, trying to read the next bar to keep my left hand in position, etc.

Agree that it is a matter of recognizing patterns, rhythmic and chorally, and that it takes an effort to get comfortable....I always remind myself that if horn players can do it.....how hard can it be???

sedgwick1489 · #13 03-04-2011, 07:17 PM

Personally, I don't think it's a focus issue. My suggestion -practice rhythms separate from notes, then put them together OUT OF TIME. by doing this you will eventually start seeing the two come closer and closer together as one. Your brain has to internalize the notes and various rhythm combinations. If you are not practicing slowly and out of time, I'll bet you are making the same mistakes over and over, which your brain will start to remember as correct. I am taking a guess that this is what you are seeing with your fingers getting pulled away.