Hi Robert,
I agree that many things are matter of time and practice but sometimes by the
end of the day, we find out that we spent time and energy and we are still
there. I feel this is most frustrating.
My experience tells me that sight-reading is about not only recognizing notes
and cords on the score but mostly about association of these images with the
sensation of your finger, your hand a even your body while playing them. In
addition, your ear must be involved because this is how you can build up the
right coordination between what you hear and how you move.
The more things you can notice on the score – like rhythm, tonality, modulation,
phrasing, fingering etc. – the greater you confidence will be.
I've never seen any manuals which would be exactly helpful. There are computer
drills, which are very nice and amusing but they will train you on executing
these drills.
I would, if I may, suggest that you should make you eyes, your ears and your
body one team that will serve you forever.
Please, do not think it is too difficult. It requires a bit of patience because
it is going to be a slow work. However, your first achievements will be
rewarding and encouraging. I believe you will feel the difference very soon.
The last thing I would like to tell you is that if you want to really improve
your skills you should do something about that every day. It might be several
minuets but they must be in your work. It could be helpful to listen to the
music having the score before your eyes – a good combination of work and fun.

Vica

--- In musicalfossils@yahoogroups.com, "Robert Coontz" <rcoontz@...> wrote:
>
> I started the piano from scratch as an adult student two years ago but still
can't find notes and chords fluently from a score. I can figure them out, with
hesitation and fumbling. It's frustrating!
>
> My teacher and other people tell me that it's just a matter of time and
practice, but there must be some systematic way to accelerate the process
(assuming I'm not musically dyslexic). Can anyone recommend drills, techniques,
even computer software that might help me over this hurdle?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert
>