Below are the rhythms and notes you will be expected to be able to read and play in the sight-reading part of your grade 2 exam. If you are not planning on taking a grade exam, this page will still be really useful for your playing and reading skills.

Clap along to the rhythms in these videos.

You might notice that the video uses the Ta and Ti-ti system to name the notes. You might be used to using this with your teacher (except for here minims are called To-e). It's the official names of those notes, but it can be a helpful way to read the rhythms right.

Play some of the rhythms on these sheets - download a free metronome or tap your foot to keep in time.

All of the notes here are B, but you can use any notes you like.

You could even compose your own song using these rhythms.

At Grade 2 you should also be able to read in 6/8 time. Try the sheet and video below.

Don't try these until you have learned about how to read in 6/8 time with your teacher.

In this section we are going to concentrate on reading the notes in the upper range of the clarinet. If you struggle to read the lower notes on the clarinet, look at the grade 1 music reading page and work your way through the exercises there first.

Try playing some of these bars of music. If you get stuck on a note, look above to help work out which one it is.

Here are the key signatures you are expected to know and understand at grade 2.

Try playing these bars of music and LOOK OUT FOR THE KEY SIGNATURES!

Here are the other parts of music reading you should know about at grade 2.

Dynamics - Volume

Articulation - the way you play the note

Tempo - Speed

Sight-reading check list

In the exam you will get 30 seconds to practice before you play it "for real".

Find some pieces in your books that you haven't played yet and trying playing all or part of one. Think about the rhythms, the notes and all the extras like dynamics and articulation.