On the far left of the sheet music page, you will find at least one instrument name. This name can include flute, piano, trumpet, trombone, violin, or others. If you are new to reading classical music, you may want to choose music that includes the fewest number of instruments until you are ready to read more complicated music. By far, the easiest music with which to begin is piano music, as it includes both of the major clefs and is pitched in what musicians refer to as concert pitch or the pitch level C. Underline the instrument name that you wish to read.
To the right of the instrument name, you will see a symbol that is typically in the shape of a disfigured letter "S" or "C". The disfigured S is referred to as the treble clef, while the C is referred to as the bass clef. This clef will determine the notes that you read and give you an idea of how they sound. In the case of piano music, you will find both types of clefs beside the instrument name. This clef will be positioned on a set of five horizontal lines that is referred to as a staff. Circle the clef.
To determine the note lengths, you must first determine the time signature. This signature is immediately to the right of the clef symbol and should resemble a mathematical symbol (4/4, 3/4, 6/8). The exception to this rule is a commonly used letter "c". If this letter is present, the music has the time signature of 4/4. Knowing the time signature will be important in the next step.
Scan the sheet music to find a hollow circle. This note is referred to as a whole note because it takes the whole measure to play it (assuming you chose music with a 4/4 time signature). The next note to find is a hollow circle with a line attached to it. This note is referred to as a half note, as it takes up half of a measure. The final note to find is the quarter note. This note will look like a half note but with the circle blackened. Four quarter note lengths make up each measure.
The staff that you have chosen is split by vertical lines. The notes contained between these vertical lines form separate measures. The note values in these lines will be dependent on the time signature. If you can find a measure with four quarter notes, it can be easy to see how this works. Make one mark under each quarter note that you find in the first few measures. Under each half note, make two marks. Under each whole note, make four marks. You should be able to see how each measure breaks into quarter notes or beats.
Play the audio recording of the music you have chosen. Try to tap your foot along with the music in a way that matches the marks you have made. If you can line them up, you will begin to see how the music moves on the page along with the music that you hear. If you can do this successfully, you may begin to notice other notes that you can assign marks. An eighth note is a quarter note divided in half. It looks just like a quarter note, but with a little flag at the end. Draw a circle under each eighth note. Two circles will equate with your original quarter note mark.