Sight-Reading
The ability to perform a piece of music at first sight without prior practice or rehearsal
Category
fundamental
Pronunciation
SITE-REE-ding
Origin
English
Length
142 words · 1 min read
About Sight-Reading
Sight-reading is the ability to perform a piece of music at first sight without prior practice. It is considered one of the most important practical skills for any musician, tested by exam boards at every grade level.
More fundamental terms
Texture
View all fundamentalterms →The way melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic materials are woven together in a composition.
BaroqueThe period of Western art music spanning roughly 1600 to 1750, characterised by ornate expression, basso continuo, and the development of tonal harmony.
DroneA sustained or continuously repeated note or chord that sounds throughout a passage or entire piece
DynamicsThe variation in loudness between notes or phrases in a performance.
KeyThe tonal centre that organises a piece of music around a specific note and scale.
Related
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →