First steps in reading music

You are ready to move on when

1. 1Name the notes from bass clef F up to treble clef G, around middle C, within three seconds eachCheck yourself: Do a one-minute round of the note drill limited to these notes, write down your score, and repeat it a week later to compare.
   • Most answers within three seconds
   • Treble and bass clef notes both correct
   • No counting lines from the bottom
   Open the reference: Note identification drill
2. 2Play an eight-bar melody from the score with no note names written inCheck yourself: Record yourself reading a new short tune, then follow the score while you listen back.
   • Right notes from the score
   • Steady beat
   • Eyes on the music, not the hands
   • No note names written in
   Open the reference: Piano for beginners, lesson 2: starting to read music
3. 3Learn a short piece from a beginner method, such as Gurlitt's First lessons, from the score in three slow readingsCheck yourself: Record your third reading and mark any notes or rhythms that differ from the score.
   • Right notes
   • Right rhythm
   • Steady beat
   • Finished without stopping
   Open the reference: First lessons, Op. 117