Working Multiple Ear Training Books at a Time

Working Multiple Ear Training Books at a Time

Q: So I ordered Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing along with Jazz and Blues Bass Lines and The Big Metronome (to save on shipping), and have Key Note Recognition on the way as well. I know that I should wait with Jazz and Blues Bass Lines as well as Key Note Recognition until I am through with Ear Training One Note Complete/Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing. While I intend to focus on Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing and Ear Training One Note Complete throughout the day, can I also sometimes be working multiple programs like The Big Metronome if I feel like it, or do you recommend I wait and only focus on one thing at a time?
Do you also recommend that once I am done with Fanatic’s Guide to Ear Training and Sight Singing and Ear Training One Note Complete, that I study Key Note Recognition in tandem with Jazz and Blues Bass Lines?

I am pleased to say that on Ear Training One Note Complete, I am starting to occasionally get G wrong (before, I would get it right all the time, but by cheating). This is a good thing right?

And in terms of judging healthy progress as opposed to progress based on interval reasoning… I am getting about 30-40% right (after 3 weeks), and when I am wrong it is often only by a half/whole step. Is this a good indication?  Does this mean that my brain is learning correctly, or is this trend an indication that I am still somehow answering based on interval and distance reasoning?  It would be great to have some sort of mental queues indicating whether I am learning correctly.

A: I wouldn’t work on Jazz and Blues Bass Lines until you are working multiple (at least 2) note books. You can certainly work on the  Big Metronome anytime.  You will find that your ability will vary on specific notes. You might be good at the 5th for awhile then it will go away and then come back into focus later. I believe this is your mind readjusting as it learns new notes.  Overall it sounds like you are making excellent progress. But remember don’t think so much about progress think about the notes. Immerse yourself in their sound. Everyone that gets this ear training puts their energy into it. For some people it is quick, for others it takes a long time. The important thing is to keep a positive attitude and keep working.

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.