Perfect Pitch Trainings Effect on Relative Pitch Training

Perfect Pitch Trainings Effect on Relative Pitch Training

Q: One more question. I also have Graham English’s Absolute Pitch Power. If I complete that program, is Ear Training One Note Complete still necessary to develop a good ear?  Or is it overlapping in objectivity? (I’m studying classical music.)

A: Hopefully, in the Absolute Pitch Power book it explains that you only learn Absolute Pitch on one instrument at a time. So you have a long ways to go to get through the whole orchestra. Another thought is that most music through the Classical period is tonal.  Therefore, relative pitch would greatly help you with this music and would be fairly easy. Well, at least easier than developing Absolute Pitch on every instrument in the orchestra. When you get into 20th and 21st century music, relative pitch can still be used but your abilities have to be quite high to use it with Webern or the likes. I suggest learning both methods if you have the time. If you want to improvise, which some contemporary orchestras require i.e. The Absolute Ensemble which I play with frequently, you would definitely need relative pitch skills when you improvise.

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.