Sight Reading Tips for an Audition
1) Take a deep breath. It's normal to feel a little nervous when faced with music
you've never seen before and yet have to play in front of people. But take a
minute to remember that this is YOUR audition. Take your time.
2) Take note of the key signature. "Say" the names of the flats or sharps "out
loud in your head." Feel those flats or sharps under your fingers when you think
their names. Think of the scale that belongs with that key signature.
3) Check the first measure and feel the beat (that's the part that doesn't change
as long as the tempo - or overall speed of the piece - doesn't change) in the
context of the rhythm of the first measure.
4) Once you're confident in the basic beat, scan the piece for rhythmic variation.
Check anything that looks tricky, counting it "out loud in your head" with your (or
your teacher's) prefered counting system. Especially note any sections where
the rhythm changes from relatively fast to relatively slow. These sections may
look easy, but they're probably the biggest source of errors. Somehow, our
brains have a hard time registering, after playing quickly, that a slower section
can possibly be that slow. You'll have a definite advantage over perhaps the
majority of people auditioning if you take a moment to notice these transitions
from relatively faster to relatively slower.
5) Thinking back to the key signature, scan through for any accidentals,
fingering them if necessary. At the same time, check any other tricky fingering
spots.
6) Finally, take note of any expression markings: dynamics, tempo, and style.
Enjoy the feeling of what you're about to express.
Practice these 6 steps every day for 2 weeks before the audition, or better yet
every time you read anything year round! Your duo partner, band or orchestra
director, adjudicator, and YOU will notice the value of your efforts!