Table of Contents
23. Intervals Reading Challenge
Theory Lesson: Reading Two Notes at Once
This is the final test for this section. You are no longer reading single notes; you are now reading two notes played at the exact same time.
Reading from the Bottom Up
When an experienced pianist looks at a large chord on the page, they don't read every single note one by one. Their eyes jump straight to the lowest note. Find the bottom note first to anchor your hand on the keyboard, and then look at the visual shape of the interval above it to find the top note.
The Real-Time Test
This challenge will require you to play all intervals we have learned so far in real-time.
Self-Check Questions
- Question: When looking at a stack of notes, which note should your eyes look at first?
Click to reveal answer
Answer: The lowest note. - Question: Once your hand is anchored on the bottom note, how do you find the top note?
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Answer: By looking at the visual shape (the distance) between the two notes on the staff. - Question: Which interval shape skips exactly one line or one space in the middle?
Click to reveal answer
Answer: A 5th.
Practice Session: The Speed Test
The Goal: Train your eyes to read stacked notes instantly, and train your hands to play them exactly together.
The Execution: Open JazzPianoLab and run through these Sight-Reading exercises:
- 23.1 The Mixed Interval Test: A random mix of all learned intervals.
- 23.2 The Clef Jump: Intervals will bounce back and forth between the bass clef and the treble clef.
- 23.3 The Final Interval Exam: A complete test covering sharps, flats, and all the intervals you have learned so far.
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