Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Why am I so bad at reading sheet music? How can I learn to read better?” At least part of the problem rests with the music notation itself. Don’t worry, I can give you some tips to help you read music! Read more to learn why you struggle with reading sheet music and what you can do about it.
This article uses technical musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Why Am I So Bad at Reading Sheet Music? Because of the Counter Intuitive Nature of Music Notation.
- “Why am I so bad at reading sheet music?” It may be less about you and more about the notation.
- Siu-Lan Tan found music notation to be counter intuitive for non-musicians, and by extension, new musicians. If fact, the subjects in the study thought the whole note should be held the shortest, because it looked hollow. Conversely, they thought the 32nd note should be held the longest, because it looked darker and had more projections.
- Besides the counter intuitive aspects of the notation, a musician needs to know about half a dozen or so rhythmic symbols. Also, they’ll need to put them into the context of the meter to effectively execute the rhythm. This can be challenging. Likewise, there will be challenges for reading notes as well.
- Color coding the rhythm and notes greatly simplifies the music and helps struggling and reluctant readers to be able to read music. Likewise, shape notes will help vocalists to sight sing.
- You can use these multisensory strategies as a bridge to music literacy. However, the reading aids can be phased out over time. For color coding and shape note resources, see the next section.
Why Am I So Bad at Reading Sheet Music and How Can I Do Something About It?
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
“Why am I so bad at reading sheet music and what can I do about it?” I recommend that instrumentalists color code the score:
- Playing the Piano with Color Coded Notes
- Playing Piano with Color Coded Left Hand Notes
- How to Color Code Guitar Tab
- Color Coding Music for Success
Vocalists should try sight singing using shape note solfege:
- Shape Note Sight Singing Success
- Sight Singing with Solfege
- Singing with the Kodaly Rhythmic Syllables
I use these strategies when working with LD and special needs music students. However, they also work great for struggling typical learners too.
Concluding Thoughts to “Why Am I So Bad at Reading Sheet Music?”
“Why am I so bad at reading sheet music?” Because sheet music can be challenging to learn. However, with good learning strategies, you too can read music.
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page
Glossary
Ways Around the Difficulty of Playing the Piano Due to Short Fingers and Small Hands
So, are there really ways around the difficulty of playing the piano due to short fingers and small hands? Yes, it can be done. This post will help musicians, music students, and music teachers alike. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
Singing Shape Notes Solfege Lydian Melodies
Do you want to be able to sing advanced modes? Are you confused about how the Lydian mode works? Modes are a feature of folk music around the world but are also both in jazz and 20th/21st century classical. Singing Shape Notes Solfege Lydian Melodies will help you master advanced modes. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Singing Rhythm Syllables in Cut Time
Are you confused about how to chant the Kodaly rhythm syllables in cut time? Do you wonder if it’s like chanting 2/4 or 4/4 syllables? Don’t worry, this post has you covered! Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in cut time. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
How Do You Sing Eastern European Vocal Harmony in 2nds by Ear?
Have you ever wondered how Eastern European vocalists sing polyphony in parallel 2nds? Do you want to know how world music works? Understanding world music involves stepping outside your own perspective and seeing from the world musician’s point of view instead. Click to answer the question, “How do you sing Eastern European vocal harmony in 2nds by ear?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More