Sightreading: meaning, definitions and examples
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sightreading
[ ˈsaɪtˌriːdɪŋ ]
musical performance
Sightreading refers to the ability to read and perform music at first sight, without prior rehearsal or familiarity with the piece. This skill is crucial for musicians, enabling them to quickly understand and interpret musical notation as they perform. It requires a combination of musical knowledge, aural skills, and reading fluency. Sightreading is often practiced to enhance one’s proficiency and adaptability in various musical situations.
Synonyms
improvisation, interpretation, performance.
Examples of usage
- She practiced her sightreading daily to improve her piano skills.
- Sightreading is essential for orchestral musicians during rehearsals.
- His sightreading ability amazed everyone during the audition.
- Teachers often assign sightreading exercises to their students.
Translations
Translations of the word "sightreading" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leitura à primeira vista
🇮🇳 साइट रीडिंग
🇩🇪 Sichtlesen
🇮🇩 pembacaan tanpa persiapan
🇺🇦 читання з листа
🇵🇱 czytanie z nut
🇯🇵 楽譜を見ながら演奏すること
🇫🇷 lecture à vue
🇪🇸 lectura a primera vista
🇹🇷 notadan okuma
🇰🇷 즉흥 연주
🇸🇦 القراءة من الورقة
🇨🇿 čtení z listu
🇸🇰 čítanie z listu
🇨🇳 视奏
🇸🇮 branje na prvo oko
🇮🇸 sýnlesning
🇰🇿 жазбадан оқу
🇬🇪 ნახვის კითხვა
🇦🇿 gözlə oxuma
🇲🇽 lectura a primera vista
Etymology
The term 'sightreading' stems from the combination of 'sight' and 'reading,' effectively meaning visual reading. The concept dates back to the development of musical notation itself, which emerged in medieval Europe. Originally, musicians relied heavily on memory and oral traditions; however, as written music became more prevalent, the need for musicians to interpret scores quickly became essential. By the 18th century, sightreading was acknowledged as a critical skill for performers. The practice has since evolved with music education, becoming a staple in the curriculum for aspiring musicians. Today, sightreading is considered both a fundamental technique for learning music and a valuable skill in performance, enabling musicians to tackle new works with confidence.