Hearing Diatonic Notes versus Non-Diatonic Notes
Hearing Diatonic Notes versus Non-Diatonic Notes
Hearing Diatonic Notes versus Non-Diatonic Notes
Q: With regards to perfect pitch I’ve found that the more I focus on the cadence the more I hear ‘seveness’ than ‘beeness’. So it seems to be about mind frame to some
extent. I play piano and synths so I’m used to listening to different timbres so it might not make that much difference doing the colour series. With regard to Contextual Ear Training I don’t know how I could do all degrees as that would be overwhelming? For now I’m just adding one at a time. Ear Training One Note I think I may divide it up into diatonic and non diatonic and plough on. Thanks for your help.
A: Couple of points. I don’t think it’s a great idea to focus on the cadence. The cadence should just create a sense of key. Many times people concentrate on the root of the last chord of the cadence or the cadence itself and that’s not really the purpose of the cadence. It’s just there to create the key and you should just let it naturally happen without concentrating on it. I also don’t think it is wise to exclusively limit the notes you work on in both the Ear Training One Note listening or the Contextual Ear Training. It I could make an analogy it would be like trying to memorize all colors by only looking a few. Remember diatonic notes are really any easier than non-diatonic notes. If you are just memorizing the color of a note really all notes are created equal. You can limit notes in both exercises but I would at least listen or try to sing all notes once or twice a day to give you context.
Hope that helps.
Bruce
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.