Work on Weaknesses

• 1). Identify any specific key signatures, notes, genres of music, tempos or ranges that typically cause you to experience difficulty in sight-reading. Employ general practices to improve on those weak areas so they do not make you falter as you attempt to read faster.
  
  
• 2). Sing or play from a sight-reading practice manual. Sing through the basic beginner lessons until you can perform them at double-time on sight.
  
  
• 3). Move on to a level you consider to be moderate in the sight-reading manual. Sing or play through pieces at this level and force yourself to continue at tempo rather than stop when you've made a mistake.
  
  
• 4). Practice different notes, scales, modes and playing in different clefs as needed per your instrument(s).
  
  
• 5). Sing or play a piece with which you are moderately familiar. Consciously attempt to read one or more measures ahead of what you are playing. Practice this technique.
  
  

Use Available Tools

• 1). Use mnemonic devices (such as "every good boy does fine") if you are still experiencing difficulty mastering the basics. For a suggested list, see Learn to Read Music Faster!
  
  
• 2). Practice using flash cards for notes, triads and key signatures until you can recognize all of them instantly.
  
  
• 3). Play Fast Keys, a challenging flash-based game that scrolls music at varying speeds to improve your sight-reading ability.