Review of I Can Read Music Volume 1

I've yet to find a book that introduces sight reading as smoothly as this book. Do keep in mind that this book is designed for the student that knows nothing about reading notes. A student that knows beginner level basics might not find the material to be challenging enough.

"I Can Read" separates pitch reading from rhythm reading which is absolutely brilliant since they really are two completely different skill sets. This separation of skills makes this sight reading book perfect in the Suzuki Method setting but could really be used with any teaching approach.

Because the concepts are so simple, there's a high probability that any at-home sight reading assignments will be done correctly. This is advantageous when the student is young and the parent is not musical themselves. The less confusion, the better.

This book is definitely worth checking out if you teach beginner students of any age.

Comments

Like Brushing Your Teeth

One of my teacher trainers told me that practicing should be like brushing your teeth. There is never a day when your tooth brushing is affected by other events in your day. The process is completely emotionally detached. I mulled over her words of wisdom for quite some time after she said them to me. What struck me the most was the suggestion of emotionally detaching myself. All my life I have been told that music is supposed to express emotion. So it was almost like it would be wrong to try and strip that away. For me, the teeth brushing example was a very interesting concept. I realized that the level of habitual repetition of that daily routine is rarely achieved in any other life areas. Dishes get put off, vacuuming, shopping for groceries.... but I always make the time to brush my teeth. Always making the time for practice? A lofty ideal indeed.

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