I am focusing on playing directly from music notation now. I have mentioned using note names as a crutch, which did indeed make it possible to start playing melodies I found on Musescore fairly quickly. But it is time to bite the bullet and start playing directly from the music notation. Using cheats like Every Good Boy Does Fine and FACE are not really useful when your trying to sight read ;-)
Musescore arrangements are quite helpful in that you are learning by both playing from the notation ALONG with the auditory feedback to tell you instantly if you are wrong. If what you playing on your harmonica does not match what your ears are hearing, then you know you read the note wrong.
I found one additional tool that other might benefit from when trying to increase your speed at playing from notation. I found a little web based tool that is like flash cards to help you increase your speed. The base level is free and the advance level is only $4. You need the advanced level to practice with flats and sharp notes.
All you do, is type from your keyboard the notes in the order they appear in the notation. If you get it right the correct answer will appear in a green block. If you get it wrong the correct answer appears in a red block. You can find this fun little practice tool at
I just finished playing all the way through the "Be Thou My Vision" arrangement in a new key (F) directly from the music notation. You can do this! too
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