Ear Training

Hey guys! I have a couple of questions regarding ear training. Right now I'm learning to recognize the intervals of the major scale in relation to the tonic. I'm getting pretty good at hearing them, but only in isolation. My question is how do you get to the point where you can listen to ACTUAL music, rhythms and all, and know what scale degrees or intervals are being played.

I realize this will take a very long time to achieve, but most methods suggest learning intervals in isolation and never go further than that... that's great, but how do you apply it to real music. Is it possible to get to the point where you can basically transcribe something harmonies, melody, etc. straight to paper without your instrument? I think I just need reassurance, haha!

Any tips?

1) Transcribe. Try to do as much as you can WITHOUT A PIANO, other than maybe tonic note reference. That'll strengthen your relative pitch, which is what you're asking for. Start simple e.g. nursery rhymes, commercial jingles, etc. Then work your way harder.

2) Join a choir that solfeges. That'll do it faster than anything.

Like any skill, it takes practice.

1) Transcribe. Try to do as much as you can WITHOUT A PIANO, other than maybe tonic note reference. That'll strengthen your relative pitch, which is what you're asking for. Start simple e.g. nursery rhymes, commercial jingles, etc. Then work your way harder.

2) Join a choir that solfeges. That'll do it faster than anything.

Like any skill, it takes practice.

Thank you! I have been lurking around the forums, and many people compose without an instrument so along with what you said I'll also add that to my practice.