Ok, does anyone have some tips on sight reading? I can do it, I'm just not fast. Like, at all. It takes me forever to recognize notes sometime.
However, my teacher says I kind of have a knack for picking really difficult pieces for my level...so maybe that's part of it...

I believe the rule of thumb is to sightread two levels below your current level.

and you must sightread ALOT. ALOT. ALOT. ALOT.

My goodness, think how much practice you've had reading the printed word. If you spend as much time reading music, don't you think...

Something my teacher suggested is to look over the piece thoroughly and “finger” the song on the keyboard before actually playing it. She said that is an acceptable practice even during testing as long as no sound is made (from the piano, not the pianist).

I’ve tried it and it does help quite a bit when sight-reading.

Hey Bob - Two levels below my current level makes my sightreading ability a negative number!!

Bernard, do you think there is any value in listening to pieces with the sheet music in front of you? I like to listen to the music I'm playing on CD while I have the sheet music to look at. I think it's helpful, but I thought I would ask an expert.
Jon

OK, why is everyone named Mark a wise a**?