New musicians, usually late bloomers, often ask me where they rate as a performer. They also ask their instructors to help them determine that. Now I’m not going to get into the dynamics of a person’s need to be rated. And actually the last guy that asked me wants to use this rating as a tool to spur him on to greater performances.
But I think that a relatively easy method of determining your skills could be developed for those of us out of the university scene. Sheetmusicplus.com, who advertises themselves as the largest sheet music store around, uses a six-level rating system to help directors determine if a chart is right for the class level they instruct.
So if you go to that site, and pick out some charts you’ve played, at what level can you usually sight read the music with no errors. For me, on sax it is 3+ and on clarinet (which I started last year) it is a solid 2-. ;o)
Once I have that info, I use it as a snapshot for where I am now and can refer to it in the future. Musicians and music majors like our directors for concert band and the jazz ensemble are usually very comfortable sight reading level 6 music. Soloists for the different bands are usually at the five level although I’ve know some lousy sight-readers who can do jazz solos at the drop of a hat.
I’d luv to hear from my directors as to whether this system has any merit. I’m not a music major, I just play one on TV. :o)
The Bis Key Chronicles 
Good morning from the Northeast,
I see an occasional new picture and they are always pleasant. Well since I don’t play an instrument I won’t have the need to visit "SheetMusicPlus." I’ll just enjoy listening to it.
Well you still continue to have wild and rainy weather in the Northwest. I saw some clips of the lashing rain and flooding and just shook my head. I suppose every part of the country has their own albatrosses – you just don’t escape.
Our winter to date has been very unseasonable. It finally has gotten colder and maybe next week we evn get a little snow. The skiers are dying but maybe we’ll have a snowy late winter and early spring. Unfortunately, my irises have started their new growth and that isn’t a good sign at all. Who knows how much damage that will bring especially since they are almost 6 inches tall.
Be well and lots of good reading. Bittersweet in the east.
Hello!I’ve been to sheetmusicplus.com several times, and have ordered music there, but I can’t figure out what you’re talking about – their level system. This is more than likely because I go there in a mad rush and I know what I’m looking for and I just order it. I am familiar with different publishers rating their music as elementary, late elementary, advanced, etc. But I’ve never paid enough attention to that website, I guess. Now I’m gonna have to check it out! Thanks for the tip.God bless :)