Tip #1: K.T.T.
The golden rule when reading music is K.T.T., which stands for: Key signature, Time signature, Tempo. Always check these three before beginning to play any new piece of of music!
Tip #2: Learn your scales and arpeggios
Music is made up of scales and arpeggios, in different combinations and permutations, and at different rhythms and tempi. Know your scales and arpeggios – that is – major, harmonic minor, melodic minor, whole-tone, diminished, dominant, added 7ths, modes etc etc (the list goes on!) and you will have a much better chance of nailing those sight reading passages.
Tip #3: A little at a time
Pick some simple tunes – anything will do. Church psalm books can work well for this purpose. Take a melody, check the K.T.T., and then play it through from beginning to end, at tempo, and without stopping to make corrections. Do this for 5 minutes, using different tunes if need be. Then, go away and come back later in the day. Do five, 5 minute sessions per day for a week and watch how fast you improve your sightreading!
Tip #4: Remember the basics
You need to play with a good posture and correct breathing – even when you’re sight reading! Don’t forget the basics of playing your instrument!
Tip #5 Scan for any tricky passages
Before you start your sightreading, scan the manuscript. Are there tricky time or key changes? Perhaps some fast 16ths? Check these over first, then attempt to sight read the music.
Good luck with your sight reading!