Grade 1 is the first viola level in SightReadingMastery. Sight reading exercises in this grade are either four bars long (for 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures) or a six bars long (for 2/4 time). G and D major are the only possible keys, and playing is limited to first position, with no use of the C string, and all notes are bowed separately.
Tips for Grade 1 Viola Sight Reading
- Get situated with your viola where you can comfortably see the piece (an iPad or other tablet is especially convenient for this, as you can set it right on your music stand; print this page if needed)
- Take 30 seconds to look over the piece before you attempt to sight read it
- Once you've started, keep going no matter what – learning not to stop even when you make a mistake is one of the most important skills in viola sight reading
- When you're finished playing, press the "Listen" button to hear a correct performance of the exercise; take a moment to reflect on how you did