Also, I was wondering if there is a website with tons of free level 0-1 sheet music so I can further practice my sight reading? I read here that sight reading skills only get used on the first play-through of a piece and after that finger memory etc takes over (especially on short 4-measure pieces like in my book). So I definitely feel like it would be good for me to play other level 0-1 pieces besides the ones in my book.
I read here that sight reading skills only get used on the first play-through of a piece and after that finger memory etc takes over (especially on short 4-measure pieces like in my book).
I do not think that is correct. The really good sightreaders use finger memory on the FIRST play-through. They never have to struggle with the difficulties you face, because they have a large memory bank full of finger memories for most everything they'll see. They only have to retrieve, while you have to create. Huge difference.
So... does that mean my sight-reading will benefit from playing the same piece multiple times?
I don't think it's a good idea to use a metronome at all when you're sight reading. It's an added complication/distraction, detracts from developing an internal sense of rhythm and sets you up for failure.If you're going to read the same piece several times (which I would recommend), you can use the metronome after the first few to smooth out any timing errors.
aww are you serious? How am I going to know if my tempo is staying consistent or if I am holding notes the right amount of time? I have no sense of rhythm and I was hoping practicing with a metronome could teach me to be precise
A metronome will help you become precise. It won't necessarily help you develop your own inner sense though. It also won't help with the sightreading.I suggest you sightread the first few times without it, and then play with it. You'll then learn by identifying and correcting your early timing mistakes; that way you will get better. You can start of by only doing one metronome free sightread, and build up. The idea is not to get the bad timing ingrained, but also to start to develop your own sense of timing. You can try counting from the first read if that helps.
I am very discouraged because of how bad my tempo is sans metronome.
No need to be discouraged. Keep working with the metronome. Eventually you will internalize the external pulse. It takes longer for some than for others. ( and for some, it isn't necessary at all. But for you clearly it is). It might help to join a marching band. <g> You are right to fear that practicing bad time over and over will just help you to perfect bad time. What is probably happening is that you are not hearing yourself play in bad time. The metronome is your feedback.
Do you think it would be better to have the metronome silent but still have the light flashing with the tempo? Or is sound just as good or better than a visual tempo reminder?
Okay I tried this and I noticed any time time I play without a metronome, my tempo is always off. How can I build internal timing if I have no rhythm every time I play without a metronome? I don't see how I can develop rhythm by repeatedly playing songs with my natural poor rhythm?I am very discouraged because of how bad my tempo is sans metronome.
1. Try counting - it does help.2. Perservere a bit. Maybe just do the first read without, then with and then alternate.You will get better, but a sense of rhythm/timing isn't something that just happens overnight.
what does counting mean? Like on 4 4 time calling quarter notes "one" and calling half notes "one two" and calling eighth notes "one-and"?do I count while i play or go through the music counting the rhythm before playing?
Topic: Should I change the metronome tempo? [learning sight reading (level 0)] 