How is the ability to sight-read developed? Even if we receive sheet music and can play it immediately, sight-reading proficiency is an important milestone in harp education. Even if we don’t aspire to be professional harpists, it doesn’t mean we don’t need to practice sight-reading. So why can some people read music so quickly? The key is not just fast reading and playing reactions; it lies in their training to memorize common patterns and logical combinations in harp sheet music, allowing them to anticipate the upcoming notes.
We can think of harp music as a “language” with its own letters (notes), words (phrases), sentences (musical passages), and grammar (musical structure). The more familiar we are with the common patterns and logic in this musical language, the easier it is to play. Some experienced harpists can grasp the essence of an entire passage with just a glance at the sheet music, without diving into the details.
When playing the harp, beginners often rush to play after just a few notes, resulting in fragmented performances or relying solely on memorization. This doesn’t contribute to improving sight-reading skills on the harp. The recommended approach is to accurately play one note while immediately shifting the focus to the next note, playing based on the interval relationships. This allows a series of notes to flow smoothly, forming a beautiful melody.
So how do we practice sight-reading on the harp? Consistent practice is crucial. Dedicate time each day to incorporate sight-reading exercises into your harp practice routine. When reading harp sheet music, avoid fixating on individual notes and instead observe the changes in intervals within the measures. As you play the notes of the first measure, your eyes should already be scanning the content of the second measure on the harp sheet music. This not only makes playing more effortless but also helps maintain a continuous sense of rhythm.
Developing harp skills and proficiency is not an overnight process, but with daily practice, you will definitely see progress! We recommend some great sight-reading exercise books that can help you. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to us for purchasing information.