What’s the point of Interval Ear Training?
As a musician doing ear training you can’t avoid intervals. But why are they so important and why do interval ear training? Here are four great reasons.
What's the best program to transcribe music?
There are lots of software programs which can help you transcribe music and practice playing music by ear. Some are desktop software packages (Mac/PC) and others are apps for mobile devices (iPhone, Android, etc.) The main features they offer which help with...Why learn to transcribe music?
Transcribing music is generally a core part of the syllabus for music degrees and higher-level instrument learning. Why? In the 21st century it may seem outdated to worry about how we write down music with a pencil on a staff. But in fact, the benefits of learning to...
The Top 10 Reasons to do Ear Training
What’s the point of ear training? Discover 10 powerful ways it transforms your musicianship—from playing by ear to deeper musical understanding.
Why You Should Learn To Play By Ear FIRST
Playing by ear is not an advanced technique, or a gift you must be born with. It’s actually a simple learnable skill you can start doing today. Learn how.
How to Arrange a Jazz Standard (Hans Hansen)
Hans Hansen of “The Music Arrangers Page” explains the listening skills and sound judgements that went into this arrangement of the jazz standard “Jordu”.
Why do all pop songs sound the same?
The most powerful concept in learning to play songs by ear is the “1 4 5 progression”, or the “3 chord song”. This can also include “1 4 5 6” (or “I IV V vi”) progressions and 4-chord songs. In short: So many songs sound...
Open Your Ears with an MPR Coffee Break
It’s no secret that I love The Current, one of Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)’s flagship stations. I wrote something of a love-letter blog post in support of their fund-raising drive last year, and I’m a proud supporter of the station – despite...
Improved Practice: Slow Down to Speed Up (Phil Amalong)
As musicians, we know that slow practice is good. Or at least we’ve been told that. But I suggest the following: don’t spend another minute practicing slowly!
Solfeggio and Ear Training (Shelle Soelberg)
Solfeggio (do re mi) is a powerful tool but many musicians find it a confusing subject at first. Find out all about it and how it can improve your musical ear.
Melodic Dictation for the rest of us
Working out tunes by ear (“melodic dictation”) doesn’t need to be difficult or scary. These tips will help you conquer your fears and master melodic dictation.
Through Her Eyes: The Composer’s Voice
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a century-old global celebration of women’s political, social, and economic achievements, and an opportunity to combat domestic violence, poverty, and other crucial issues that face women today. To help celebrate IWD we...
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