Sight Singing - How Is It Related to Sight Reading?
Kids who are involved in Musical Theater, at some point, need to learn and practice Sight Singing. My son, who is a Musical Theater Kid, began to seriously study and practice singing at the age of 10. He had already been exposed to the fundamentals of music notation and music theory through his study of piano. He had been learning to "Sight Read" his instrumental music for several years. Learning to vocalize to music notation was a natural progression.
Sight Singing is to the vocal instrument what Sight Reading is to a physical musical instrument.
It is the ability to sing a composition on first sight while sight reading is the ability to play a composition on first sight.
Being good at Sight Singing is extremely advantageous to kids who would like to work in professional theater. It is another one of the necessary skills a kid needs if they are serious about a Musical Theater career. Read on to find out how it helps children involved in theater.
What's The Best Way To Learn Sight Singing?
Begin by assessing your musical skills, by doing this you will be able to find the best way to learn sight singing for your needs. If you are a teenager, you probably have done a good deal of singing and you might even know how to play a musical instrument. Chances are you've also had some Sight Reading experience and can translate that into singing by sight. If, on the other hand, your music experience has been limited due to you're being very young or, you've just newly developed an interest in music, don't despair. You just need to begin by acquiring some basic musicianship skills.
Learn to play a musical instrument. Take some vocal lessons, either in a group or privately. Be sure to tell your vocal coach that one of your goals is to be able to Sight Sing. In addition to music instruction, you can also get some practice vocalizing by joining a choral group or choir. The singing of classical music is particularly beneficial as the music notation is varied and will give you excellent experience.
Additionally, there are many options for music instruction and vocal exercises that are self-taught through the use of books, CD's and DVD's. If you are on a limited budget, this is a good way to go. Even for just an introduction to the subject or, to supplement your instruction. Do as much as time allows on your own, because in this case, practice does indeed make perfect (or almost...which is fine).
To learn and advance quickly try to immerse yourself in the study of music. Master Sight Reading music and you will have a much easier time learning Sight Singing.
How Long Will It Take Me To Learn This Skill?
This depends upon your individual talents and skills, and how hard you work. Sight singing is an acquired skill.
The more practice you get, the better you will be. Do not let this put you off, the idea is to keep constantly improving. Just think of yourself as an athlete and try to get better and stronger. Even people that have been doing it for years make mistakes. Just keep working at it.
Before long it will get easier. You will gain confidence in your ability, be amazed a your vocal progress, and your overall increased comprehension of music.
If I Study Musical Theater In College Will I Be Required To Sight Sing?
Yes, to become a Musical Theater major in college you will be required to have this ability. In fact, at many of the pre-admission auditions, in addition to the music they have asked you prepare, you are asked to spontaneously perform a page or two of music.
You are given a page from a vocal score and asked to perform it. This is a test of your preparation, as well as your ability. You are not expected to do it perfectly, having never seen the music before, but you must be able to demonstrate that you have some familiarity with Sight Singing and that you have had, at least, a bit of training.
You may still be admitted to a program without this ability, but you will have a much better chance of getting into the college of your choice if you do have this skill.
You can check with those in charge, prior to attending a college audition to find out if Sight Singing is one of the requirements.
How Will This Help Me To Become a Musical Theater Professional?
You'll find that if you study Sight Singing, a lot of what you are required to do as a Musical Theater Kid will become easier.
Your auditions will be easier as you'll have the ability to quickly read whatever piece of music is given to you.
You'll learn a musical score with a minimum of effort and this will make the rehearsal process easier as well. Additionally, you'll gain the confidence to participate in any Musical Theater Ensemble or Choral Group and never feel out of place. When the Music Director or Conductor instructs the Cast about their vocal expectations for the show, you'll have no trouble following along.
Your vocal skills will grow in many ways and you'll become more secure in your ability to make it as a musical performer.
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