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Book Review: Piano Guided Sight Reading

 

             Anyone who pursues the available literature on sight reading will end up noticing that few books exist for the general reader on the subject. Sure, some academic research and dissertations have been written along with more practical books on the methodology and preparation for piano examinations. However, pianists still need a book explaining the components and rationale for sight-reading. Fortunately, Piano: Guided Sight Reading by Leonhard Deutsch fulfills this essential task.

            Originally written in German in 1950, Piano: Guided Sight Reading provides an overview of sight reading and the pleasure it brings. The author, a protégé of the esteemed psychologist Alfred Adler, takes an approach to sight reading that is more influenced by modern psychology than conventional piano pedagogy. After relating his frustrations with traditional piano lessons, the author seeks to find a more enjoyable piano process through sight reading. Basic sight reading concerns are addressed in a question and answer format and individual component skills are analyzed in depth. Musicality and technical ability may be developed more efficiently through sight reading than standard repertoire study. Traditional practice techniques often interfere with the development of reading skills. A major concern is seeing the wholeness or the gestalt of both the sight reading process and the pianist. The myth of talent is also deconstructed, and for many readers the most valuable portion of the books is a complied list of suggested sight reading material presented in the order of difficulty.

            Pianists and piano teachers well trained in conventional repertoire study may feel challenged or even shocked by some of the advice given in Piano: Guided Sight Reading. Such a response may originate from the tendency of pianists to concentrate solely on the technical and musical aspects of learning repertoire without any regard to the individual’s inner psychological mental process. In a more personal approach, the teacher guides the student through sight reading by playing unison and duet accompaniments. Playing together reduces anxiety and develops the ear in a more organic manner. While many piano teachers may resist incorporating this innovative psychological approach, it may prove beneficial to piano students who have struggled with sight reading under more traditional methods. 

 Stay Tuned, 

 Robert 

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