Preparation

• 1
  Rhythm books help musicians play advanced rhythms.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Practice with a book of rhythms. Becoming comfortable with rhythms will make it easier to perform on the spot.
  
  
• 2
  Practicing rhythm is a good way to rest the voice and still practice.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  Work through a sight-singing book. Practice daily; approach each melody carefully until perfected. Sight reading will become easier with time.
  
  
• 3
  Develop the ears through ear training.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Start an ear-training course to train you to hear intervals quickly. This, in combination with daily singing and rhythm exercises, will help improve a singer's ability rapidly.
  
  

Sight Reading

• 1
  Key signatures tell the performer the number of sharps and flats.Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Start a session by looking at the key signature. It is important to know what key the music is in to avoid singing incorrect pitches.
  
  
• 2
  Rhythms hold the key to accurately singing the piece.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Analyze the rhythm before beginning to sing any part of the melody. If the rhythm isn't correct, the melody will falter.
  
  
• 3
  Mark accidentals in the score to ensure they are played correctly.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Determine the accidentals within the melody that will cause confusion. Look at any accidentals closely.
  
  
• 4
  Mentally envision what the piece will sound like.Jason Reed/Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Rehearse the piece mentally. If you can't play back the melody in your mind, singing it will be even more difficult.
  
  
• 5
  Keeping a steady tempo will help keep the piece moving.Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Sing the melody with a steady tempo. With practice, these steps will become much easier.