Effectiveness of targeted feedback in improving rhythm sightreading

ABSTRACT Achieving fluency in sightreading—particularly rhythm reading—is cited by researchers as a universally problematic component of formal music education. This study employed an experimental design to examine the efficacy of focused practice on rhythm reading with targeted feedback. College music majors (n = 28) were sent a novel, challenging piece of sheet music every day for five days, and were required to return a recording of themselves clapping or tapping the rhythm. Half of the students received only a polite acknowledgement each day. The others received personalised feedback on their errors by the end of the same day, and were required to repeat the incorrect passages in the following day’s recording, along with the new material. Sightreading tests were administered pre and post. On average, students in the feedback group improved significantly more than their peers in the practice-only group. Implications for postsecondary music instruction are discussed.