Problems with Leaving Interval Ear Training Habits

Problems with Leaving Interval Ear Training Habits

Q:I have purchased your Ear Training One Note Complete method, it really works. Thanks for your contribution. I believe many people would be benefited from it.

However, I got a problem. It is: I can distinguish note A from D, note E from B, vice versa… It seems that I always get the same feeling for any pair of them… But I’m ok with C and G, whose interval is the same as the above pairs…

Would you please suggest me some ways that I may get rid of these confusions?

A: First remember that intervals have nothing to do with what you are listening for, just wanted to reinforce that. Most people find that they have problems with confusing notes that are a 5th away like E and B, Ab and Db etc… Over time you will hear the distinct sound of each note. As you probably know from reading the FAQs, Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing and Ear Training One Note Complete can really help you start to distinguish between these notes faster so I would recommend you start working out of that book. Most of all you need patience and the belief that you will recognize these sounds over time. Everyone that gets this ear training sticks with it. Just make sure you are not hearing things as intervals but just listening to the sound of each note.

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.