SIGHT READING

Our assumption is that you are sitting on the stage at a concert. The guest soloist hands you a piece of music--a piece you have not seen, heard, or known.

The audience is sitting with bated breath awaiting the soloist's rendition, but it's your introduction that takes her in; and your accompaniment that will keep her singing. What do you do?

Well, don't panic! There are some other things that you can do: instead of counting to ten, count to 2, 3, 4, 5 depending the time signature (meter) of the song; look at the key signature, and look for any accidentals in the piece; observe repeat signs and other instructions to get an overall sense of the piece. You now must begin, but not before getting a line of sight with your soloist for communication.