Posted by russell on December 10, 2003 at 13:34:57:
In Reply to: reading and interpreting music posted by bloke on December 10, 2003 at 09:02:28:
My problem somewhat relates to this thread- not necessarily the sight singing but the rhythm reading aspect of it.
I am in my second year teaching high school band and this is a big problem at my school. The two phrases that I hate the most are 'I can play it if everyone else is playing' and 'Sing it to me so I know how it goes'. They cannot read. My reading skills were ok when I was in HS and improved tenfold once I started playing in college jazz band. I refuse to 'sing it to them', instead helping them figure it out, and things are slowly improving (like I said, this is my second year). Some have trouble with half/quarter rhythms.
It is important to be able to play by ear, but reading skills are equally important.