I think sightreading is a good skill, though not the most
important skill to have. As Nande has demonstrated, it can
be gotten around using memory and getting help from pianists
and teachers. But being able to sight-read does make the
singer more self-sufficient. Otherwise, you have to rely on
other people to help you learn your music, and pay for the
privilege.
Beyond choral music, sightsinging eases tremendously the
ease of learning new music. If something has to be learned
quickly, and the score can be used (as in oratorio), there's
far less anxiety for the singer if there are good
sight-reading skills. Also, sight-singing helps when
looking at new music to decide whether you like it. Again,
you don't have to depend (and maybe spend money on) finding
a recording.
And if you're lucky enough to have someone compose something
completely new for you....
Peggy
--
Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
"Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile"
mailto:peggyh@i...
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