EmilyDimond

Sight-Reading Skill Development

 

Abstract of Project

For my EDGE Project I will develop a book of exercises designed to help young pianists learn to sight read effectively and with good technique.  It will run chronologically so that the exercises become increasingly harder throughout, enabling the students to see the progress that they have made as they work through the book.  I have enlisted a graphic designer to help with the design of the book so that it will be entertaining for children as they learn.

 

As a whole, the exercises do become more challenging as the book progresses.  However, I did keep a couple of simpler exercises interspersed between the more difficult ones, because as I studied the difficulties of sight-reading, I realized that often as pianists improve, they tend to struggle with pieces below their level because they overthink and overcomplicate.  

 

Project Goal

I developed a book of piano exercises designed to teach good sight reading technique.

 

I achieved this goal by first continuing to hone my own sight-reading skills and discern what made sight-reading easier.  I also took a job as a teaching assistant for a music theory III class so that I could continue to improve my composition and teaching skills while working on this project.  I then composed a series of exercises meant to be sight-readable, and sent them to my graphic designer to be compiled into a book.

 

Outcome

Because I have successfully developed a book of exercises that enable beginning pianists to more effectively sight-read, I can use it in my private studio, enabling my students to become more confident musicians.

 

The book I developed has been printed and bound, and is now a part of my personal music library.  Due to lease restrictions, I cannot teach private lessons out of my apartment, but intend to start a private studio shortly after graduation, where I will be able to use my book frequently.  I am also considering listing this book for sale on my website.

 

Deliverables

At the end of the project I will be able to produce a completed book of sight-reading exercises designed specifically for the piano.