Students will practice sight-reading individually or in groups using sight-reading software. Students can be placed into groups based on sight-reading skill, and instructors can quickly change the rigor of examples. Sight-reading guidelines from different adjudicated events can be entered into the program so the examples align to these standards. Students can easily receive feedback, and track progress towards sight-reading goals.

Students practice rhythm literacy skills using a slide deck. The students practice moving the pictures around the squares to make new rhythms.

Students will compose short melodic phrases using commonly found household items, such as a rock to create “Melodies that Rock.” Students will explore music contour in relationship to high and low notes, and melodic patterns and motion.

Students will identify, define and use basic standard and instrument specific notation for pitch with a focus on fluency. The objective of Note Reading Olympics is to assess and improve note reading skills. Students aim to identify as many notes as possible in 60 seconds. Students are able to achieve four levels based on difficulty: Olympic Trials, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Olympic Legend. The resources in this document are specifically designed for orchestra, but the lesson could be adapted for any music discipline.

This plan will introduce the foundational skills and methods to develop successful sight-reading through guided practice. These methods provide students with the awareness and confidence to become capable and independent at the sight-reading process.