How to... Read music effectively?!
Question: I know some tips, such as focusing only on the notes played without regarding the rhythm, learning the keys so you don't have to look down, etc.. what is an effective way to increase reading ability?
Answers: I know some tips, such as focusing only on the notes played without regarding the rhythm, learning the keys so you don't have to look down, etc.. what is an effective way to increase reading ability?
Have you tried reading through the piece before you even sit down to play it? There's sight reading the piece at first (just banging it off as best as you can) then just play play play the darn thing. I practice measures / phrases til I'm happy with them. And never look down (playing the piano), you'll just throw yourself off.
practice!
Reading ahead a few measures, by knowing what's coming up next you have a better ability to play more fluidly without halting and staring at notes one by one.
But most of it is just by experience, the more you grow used to reading music, the more proficient you will be at reading it with greater speed and ability.
I'm assuming you're talking about piano. Practice scales. You will eventualy be able to play with your eyes closed. It will help to learn where the keys are. Practice a song in sections, slowly and repeatedly until you have it down. It just takes a lot of practice.
Lots of practice.
Reading notes and memorizing key position involves lots of practice. Make sure you practice a least 15 minutes per day, even if it's just scales.
To get more familiar with note-naming, try using the trainers on www.musictheory.net for note-naming. It's a great place for practice.