Effective Music Sight-Reading Training Strategies Target Visual Working Memory

Abstract

Sight reading is a functional skill which is essential for all musicians involved in particular fields of classical music culture. Reviewing the achievements from empirical science, this article investigates Visual Spatial Sketchpad (an essential part of working memory) during the process of sight-reading, and tries to decipher its mechanism by categorizing the information types of music sheet. After analyzing, we provide two models to explain the different performing styles between novice and expert: Hierarchical Progressive Model and Parallel Dispose Model, which pinpoint Selective Attention as the key element of sight-reading process. Finally, two target training strategies are tentatively proposed: Visual Searching Template Training and Automated Binding Training. If we compose specific training materials by adopting these two strategies, it would be promising that the speed at which students can master sight-reading skills will be increased.