5 Tips to Read Music Faster

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I've been using your tips and have noticed a big gain in confidence at the piano. I've still got a long way to go, but the voyage has become much more enjoyable. Merci beaucoup.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

That’s so awesome. Thank you very much for taking the time to share that - brings a big smile to my face!!

[@KyleHohn]

2:08 “There are not really random things that happen in music”, very true! I have students that almost struggle with the opposite where they invent patterns that aren’t there. How do you suggest looking more carefully instead of assuming patterns that aren’t there?

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Ooooh this is a tricky one! I will often have students seek out, not only the patterns, but the deviations from the patterns, and I think this distinction can be quite helpful. Over time they can spot not only the patterns but also the sneaky parts that seem like they might be patterns but aren’t!

[@rogeralleyne9257]

The " golden nuggets" for me was " highlighting" the patterns in the music as well as writing in the counts" which I can actually be more diligent about!!! I have every intention on studying under your tutelage however I really like" working on my own & want to bring a level to the table that I can actually benefit the most from your instruction!! My goals are to eventually be a "band leader" of a major network talk show/ Be a solo pianist who has a residency/ & a choir director among others!! I figure by January 2024 I'll be "ready" to study with you!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Great to hear about the biggest nugget for you! And awesome! You let me know ;)

[@elizabethfield6526]

Thank you!

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

You’re welcome!

[@KyleHohn]

The only tip I would add is focusing on Line notes and Space notes. Saying Line and Space out loud helps so much for accurate intervalic reading even more than focusing on the intervals. Saying LLSSLLSS is much easier than thinking of the intervals between the notes since you’re focusing on the visual quality of the note rather than the distances between them.

[@KyleHohn]

Try it! Next time a student has a reading error. Rather than explain why the did it wrong, simply instruct them to say “line” and “space” and the error will magically disappear and they’ll understand where and why they made the reading error.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

YES! That’s also a great tip! Love it - thank you for adding!

[@KyleHohn]

@@AshleeYoungMusicStudio it’s based on the now dominant “science of reading” paradigm that is used for teaching actual text reading in school. It uses phonics as the base of fluent reading strategies and I apply the same principles to teaching music reading. My students may not be the best technicians or interpreters, but they all read incredibly well.

[@moniquelemaire5333]

I do teach piano lessons as well....for more than 30 years!!! I have a young 6 year old student who does not know how to read a book yet....should she continue with lessons??? I basically don't want to charge the family money....she isn't even picking up the idea of "middle C." Thank you for your response. Miss Monique 🙂🙏🌷💗

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Hmmmm this depends on so many things. I personally have taught kids as young as 3 and they are capable, the teaching just needs to be adjusted. I’ve done by rote, using a method book that’s way slower like music for little Mozart, or the Faber younger beginner series… She’s probably capable, but perhaps some different methods need to be explored? However, sometimes it doesn’t always make sense to take all of the time to research different different methods or to try to adjust your style. So I would say the choice is yours :-)

[@YaelEylatTanaka]

Super video! But a few examples would be very useful, e.g., patterns. Give an example of a pattern. You just did! Thank you: All examples of a C-chord, e.g.

[@AshleeYoungMusicStudio]

Hehehehe oh good!!