Sight Reading Levels at Alberta Suzuki String Institute

At the Alberta Suzuki String Institute, we want to be able to place students appropriately, to help them learn at their own rate, and be successful. We have found that students prefer to be in reading situations where they are comfortable and confident in their abilities. They enjoy being able to read new music easily. When grouping students, it has been more successful when the reading levels have been similar. Sight Reading Levels determine which orchestra or Pre-Reading class students are put in at the Institute; however what music the orchestras and chamber groups play is determined by the reading levels of the students. We have provided examples listed below of reading levels to help teachers guide us so that we can choose music successfully.

The reading level examples indicate what the student should be able to read by sight so that we can have more success at grouping students. Reading levels are not associated with Suzuki Volume levels. There is no sight reading example for beginner readers because they are just beginning. The examples start at Early Reader. We do not expect many students to be at the Advanced Level as this is truly an advanced level.

How to Use the Sight Reading Levels.

The guides listed below are intended for teachers to determine the sight reading levels of their students.

• Have the student start at the Early reader level.
• Give them up to 5 minutes to look at the example, without playing.
• Have the student play the example.
• If the student plays accurately, with notes correct and good pitch, rhythm correct, all articulations and dynamics, move to the next level and repeat process.
• The level the student is at is the last one he or she manages with notes correct and good pitch, rhythm correct, and all articulations and dynamics.

Cello Viola Violin