Sight reading ideas

[Carl23]

Interesting point about strict reading and stylistic changes.

In West African percussion, it is generally assumed that notation is inaccurate.

After playing for a long time, I automatically add micro-timing to notation. If I know which culture the rhythm comes from I would adjust the micro-timing accordingly.

At this point, unless I'm reading classical music, I tent to add changes as I hear them. I'd say I'm most free with Jazz, pushing to notes as much as a quarter note from notated. Less so with Celtic, fiddle tunes and what not. I add a bit, but based on a rather limited amount of listening.

Generally I consider non classical music a "reminder" of pieces I am familiar with. Or a rough road-map for pieces that I don't.
I tend to read notation "straight" until I get them under my fingers, then the fun begins!

:-)

[Jim Garber]

I would love to have a set of sight reading exercises that focused on arpeggios.

I don't know if anyone mentioned these arpeggio warmup exercises by Tim O'Brien.

[Jim Garber]

At this point, unless I'm reading classical music, I tent to add changes as I hear them. I'd say I'm most free with Jazz, pushing to notes as much as a quarter note from notated. Less so with Celtic, fiddle tunes and what not. I add a bit, but based on a rather limited amount of listening.

Even in classical music, I believe that different players subtly or not so subtly change the timing. We are essentially human and if you want to hear exact renditions of notation then export to midi and realize how unmusical it is.

As many have noted, the real music comes from the playing and notation or tablature is only a short hand, mnemonic device or a reminder to help us get there.

[Mark Gunter]

As a sight reading exercise? Here it is sans tablature.
O'Brien's Arpeggios in standard notation

[JeffD]

I separate out the problems. I work on arpeggios by working on arpeggios, I work on learn a specific tune by working that specific tune.

I work on sight reading by doing a lot of it. Regardless of genre. Fiddle tunes are good if you are not familiar with them. And getting good at sight reading fiddle tunes does not render you inadequate at other kinds of music. I would think that one who does not care for fiddle tunes would be even better suited to use that repertoir as food for sight reading, just because it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

The best thing i have ever done, is to sit down with my violin teacher, and play duets, violin and mandolin. She was an excellent source of all kinds of music I had never heard of. Every week we did an hour of duets I had never played before. Sight reading combined with a little performance anxiety. Its very powerful.

[Carl23]

I would think that one who does not care for fiddle tunes would be even better suited to use that repertoir as food for sight reading, just because it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

This is an excelent idea! If you are working on fiddle tunes, sight read jazz. If you are working on old time, sight read celtic... etc. etc.

Thanks for the idea {{opens real book to a random page... "GIANT STEPPS" Yikes... turns to another page...}}

C