Correctly Practicing ‘Intervals’ During Ear Training
Correctly Practicing ‘Intervals’ During Ear Training
Correctly Practicing ‘Intervals’ During Ear Training
Q: I have not been practicing everyday out of the Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing. I usually hit it had for about a week, and the singing always goes pretty well, but hearing the intervals. I get discouraged after about a week of doing it at least once a day, and only being able to hear a major third consistently. As far as practicing the intervals, do you recommend just going at it until it comes?
If that is what it takes, I will recommit to doing that. Right now time is really tight, but I REALLY want to get my ear together. In fact, I have to/ need to get my ear together. My only other main concern right now is expanding my repertoire.
So, I think we both know what I need to do, but if you have any other practice tips, they will be greatly appreciated!
A: Well first please don’t call the notes you are trying to hear intervals. I think even vaguely thinking that way is harmful. Remember there is a difference between hearing the 3rd on a key and a major 3rd. Yes I know the 3rd of a key is a major 3rd away from the root but it’s the sound of the 3rd degree you are memorizing. Personally I think a lot of your problems are coming with inconsistency in your practice methods.
Remember you are trying to memorize sound, if you don’t work on it everyday you forget the sound. Sooner or later you will probably get the ear training correctly using your present practice schedule but it certainly won’t come quickly. That’s OK but you need to realize that you get out of this ear training what you put into it. I know it’s not easy to find the time everyday to do these things and for many students it takes years of learning about their practice habits before they find the balance that gives them the most gain while still working within their daily schedules.
I’ll be putting up some standards in the member’s area soon that will help you with expanding your repertoire. Look for them in the Help File for Chords in the member’s area of www.muse-eek.com.
It is also recommended that you read Bruce Arnold’s Blog at his artist site. It contains more discussion of the musical topics found in these FAQs as well as other subjects of interest. You will also find the “Music Education Genealogy Chart” located here which shows you the historic significance of the music education products found on the Muse Eek Publishing Company Website.