Navigate to a free music education site such as Data Dragon (see Resources). Select the lessons that you need, depending on your instrument. For example, select "Clefs," and then choose treble clef for violin or bass clef for beginning cello. You need treble and bass clefs when playing piano.
Memorize the notes for the clef or clefs you'll use. Practice naming the notes with the Internet resources. To help you remember better, use memory tricks. Learn the names of the notes from the bottom to the top of the staff. The treble spaces, F, A, C, E, spell "face." The names of the treble lines begin the words "Every Good Boy Does Fine." The bass clef spaces from bottom to top begin the words "All Cows Eat Grass." The bass clef lines spell the beginning letters of "Good Boys Do Fine Always."
Practice naming the notes with a free interactive music flashcard site, such as Music Cards (see Resources). Repeat daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes until you can name the notes quickly.
Practice naming the notes with simple sheet music you have at home. Or print out music from free Internet sites such as 8 Notes (see Resources). Then play the music on a piano or another instrument. Continue note by note in this fashion for at least 15 minutes per day.
Practice note and rest time values at Data Dragon or another site (see Resources). Practice counting out loud and tapping along in rhythm. Then continue this practice with simple sheet music you have at home. First count aloud and tap the rhythm of the piece without playing the notes. Then play the music and count or tap as you play.
Study altered notes such as sharps, flats and naturals on the Internet site (see Resources). Practice naming the altered notes aloud in your sheet music before you play. For example, say "F sharp;" then play the note on a piano or other instrument.
Practice reading and playing simple sheet music every day for 15 to 20 minutes.Obtain a variety of sight-reading pieces (see Resources). Continue reading increasingly more difficult compositions daily as your reading skill improves.