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Reshmi Patel • July 16, 2020
How to Read Sheet Music Faster
One of the greatest gifts a music student can receive is the gift of independence. To be able to pick up a song of their choice and having the skills to learn and play this at their own pace opens up a lifetime of both enjoyment and expression. In this blog post we’ll provide you with practical tips to ultimately help you read sheet music faster.
1. Stickers for your keys
Image: Amazon, Yuccer Piano Stickers
Although we don’t recommend this to everyone, for beginners who are really struggling to understand their keyboard geography*, we recommend they purchase piano stickers which can be stuck onto the individual keys. This will allow students to cross check reading their hand position with the music at a faster pace.
*Keyboard geography is how efficiently we can navigate the layout of the piano keys with the sheet music.
2. Treble Clef and Bass Clef
The Treble Clef can also be called the ‘G Clef’. This is because the first curve at the bottom crosses the letter G line which is found on the second line up on the stave.
Similarly, the Bass Clef can also be called the ‘F Clef’. This is because the large dot on the left-hand side of the clef where we would begin to draw the clef is on the second line down on the stave which is where we would find letter F on the music.
We can therefore use both of the alternative names of these clefs to work out notes on our music that are closer to them, as supposed to working them out from Middle C, which would take a longer period of time.
3. Treble/Bass Clef Acronyms
In music, there are several acronyms which can help us remember the pattern of the notes within the spaces and lines on the music.
For example, in between the Treble Clef spaces we can spell the word: ‘face’. In between the Treble Clef lines, we have the acronym: ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Football.’
In between the Bass Clef spaces we have an acronym which reads: ‘All Cows Eat Grass.’ In between the Bass Clef lines we have another acronym which reads: ‘Good Books Deserve Full Attention’.
4. Ledger Lines
Ledger lines are notes which are written below or above the stave.
Sometimes reading ledger lines can feel quite daunting but it’s important to bare in mind that the same patterns and rules apply when travelling from a line to a space on the music.
If we remember from section three of this article, the Treble Clef spaces spell the word ‘face’. We can also re-spell the word ‘face’ if we begin from the top line of the stave and ascend upwards on the music.
For most of us, we don’t tend to read ledger lines as frequently as the notes within or not too far out from the stave, so we may struggle to read ledger lines as fluently. However, using this hack will help you become more familiar with notes with the ledger lines faster!
5. Memorise Key Signatures
Finally, in order to read more complex music faster, you’ll need to learn and understand key signatures.
Key signatures tell us which flats and sharps we have in a scale, exercise or piece of music, rather than writing out the individual sharps or flats next to the notes.**
In the illustrations above you’ll find acronyms which will help you learn and memorise the order of the flats and sharps within key signatures and how they appear within the music.
**Writing a sharp, flat or natural sign directly next to a note in a scale, exercise or piece is known as an ‘accidental.’
Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far. Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
