ABRSM has released Joining the Dots Singing, a series of sight-reading support books for Grades 1 to 5. 'The elements of sight-singing are broken down into manageable segments ensuring that the student learns methodically. There are plenty of exercises allowing the student to practise these skills,' said Heidi Pegler, Head of Singing at St Paul's Girls' School. The five books cover requirements for ABRSM’s sight-singing test at Grades 1 to 5, and include:

• workouts and simple songs, to build the rhythm and pitch skills required for the grade
• characterful pieces to sight-sing, in a range of approachable musical styles
• simple improvisation exercises in which students can explore ideas and develop their sense of rhythm and key
• songs and rounds to sing with others, for additional sight-singing practice or to learn quickly and sing for fun.

Used as part of regular lessons and practice, the series will help pupils read new music more quickly and easily, and develop their awareness of rhythm, pitch and other general musicianship skills.

'The books are not only useful for solo singers taking an exam, but to all singers who wish to develop their performance skills,' said Joining the Dots author Alan Bullard. The award-winning series is also available for Piano Grades 1 to 8 as well as Violin and Guitar at Grades 1 to 5. Joining the Dots is available to buy from music shops worldwide and from www.abrsm.org/joiningthedots.