Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Sight Reading

One of my little grade 3s is doing really well.  I had some Shostakovich duets on my table, and I decided to give her the first one (the first phrase or so) for some sight reading.  It's mostly do-able in first position, but it also has a high C#, and an A#.  Not notes she's actually learned how to play before.

Me: Okay, I want you to play from the beginning - no, you don't have to count those bars rest, just start from the beginning of the notes.  And play until there [about 8 bars].  So, what's the key signature?
Girl: F# and C#. 
Me: Do is?
Girl: D.
Me: Good.  Have a bit of a look... think through the rhythm... see if you have any questions... [girl obviously plays through in her head, then gets ready to play].  Oh.  Do you have any questions?
Girl: Ah, no... [like that was a really silly question on my part]
Me [pointing to the C#]: So, how are you going to play this note?
Girl: Isn't that just, like, like a 4th finger that's extra high?
Me [impressed]: Yep.  How about this note? [pointing to the A#]
Girl: Shouldn't that be..well, it's a 3rd finger, but it's not friends with 2 anymore but friends with 4?
Me: Okay, so you really didn't have any questions... Let's hear it.

She played it really well.  Counting included!  One very happy teacher.

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